The effects of gaseous pretreatment and oxide sintering on oxidation of Ti-4.32 wt.%Nb alloy

Oxidation kinetics in either air or oxygen of prenitrided Ti-4.32 wt.% Nb alloy are investigated in the temperature range of 900–1200°C. Based on X-ray and electron microprobe analyses, thermogravimetric measurements, microhardness data, and sintering experiments, a quantitative oxidation model is developed to explain the gas-metal reactions. Temperature cycling experiments, in the temperature range of 900–1200°C and for a 12-hr duration, are performed in an attempt to reduce the oxidation rates of the alloy in air or oxygen. The oxidation resistance of nitrogen pretreated alloy is comparable to that in air and it is considerably higher than in oxygen alone.Presently on academic leave at Max-Planck-Institut für Metallforschung, Institut für Werkstoffwissenschaften, Stuttgart, Bundesrepublik Deutschland.