The hot corrosion of Co-25Cr-10Ni-5Ta-3Al-0.5Y alloy (S-57)

A cobalt-base alloy, Co-25 Cr-10 Ni-5 Ta-3 Al-0.5 Y (S-57), was subjected to hot corrosion in Mach 0.3 burner rig combustion gases at maximum alloy temperatures of 900 and 1000°C. Various salt concentrations were injected into the burner; 0.5, 2, 5 and 10 parts per million synthetic sea salt and 4 parts per million sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄). The extent of corrosion was determined by measuring the maximum depth of corrosion in the alloy and the corrosion process was studied by metallography, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis. While S-57 was found to possess only moderate oxidation resistance at these temperatures, this alloy resisted significant hot corrosion attack under all but the most severe test conditions. The process of the hot corrosion attack under the most severe conditions of this study was primarily sulphidation.