Evolution of oxides on Ni-base ODS superalloys

Mechanically-alloyed Ni-base ODS superalloys currently receive attention for application in future gas turbines because they exhibit outstanding mechanical properties at high temperatures. They also protect themselves against oxidation by forming chromia and/or alumina scales. However, little attention has been given so far to the initial stages of oxidation of Ni-base ODS superalloys, containing Cr as well as Al in considerable amounts. In the current work, oxidation at 1150 degrees C was studied for different holding times up to 200 hr for the commercial materials MA6000 and PM3030 which contain Al in increasing amounts. MA754, a chromia former, was investigated as a reference. It was shown that for the potential alumina formers MA6000 and PM3030 the continuity and therefore protectiveness of the secondary Al2O3 at later stages is indeed determined by the initial stages of oxidation.