The influence of platinum on the maintenance of α-Al2O3 as a protective scale

The influence of externally located platinum on the isothermal stability of -Al₂O₃ scales formed at high temperatures has been examined. It has been observed that a nickel-base alloy forms an external scale of -Al₂O₃ during oxidation at 1200°C, but this scale breaks down isothermally, enabling a faster-growing Cr₂O₃-rich scale to develop. However, in the presence of platinum metal alongside the specimen in the furnace hot zone, the breakdown of the -Al₂O₃ scale is postponed for a substantial period of time. It appears that platinum, as the volatile species PtO₂, is incorporated into the growing -Al₂O₃ scale where it either influences the stress relief mechanism at temperature or reduces oxidation growth stress generation and thus significantly enhances the isothermal stability of the scale.