Effect of a sputtered TiAlCr coating on the oxidation resistance of TiAl intermetallic compound

The effect of a sputtered TiAlCr coating on the oxidation resistance of TiAl intermetallic compound was investigated in static air. The bare TiAl alloy exhibited poor isothermal and cyclic-oxidation resistance at 800–1000°C due to the formation of TiO2-base scales which tend to spall during cooling. A sputtered Ti-50Al-10Cr coating remarkably improved the oxidation resistance of TiAl, due to the formation of an adherent Al2O3 scale at 800–1000°C. After long-term oxidation (at 900°C for 1000 hr), TiAlCr coating still provided excellent protection for the TiAl alloy. Minor interdiffusion occurred due to the inward diffusion of Cr, while no Kirkendall voids were found at the coating/ substrate interface. In contrast, NiCrAlY and CoCrAlY coatings reacted extensively with the TiAl alloys. Moreover, the TiAlCr coating alloy is based on γ-TiAl and TiAlCr Laves phases, which may offer improved mechanical properties. The TiAlCr coating exhibited a better combination of oxidation resistance and substrate compatibility than conventional aluminide and MCrAlY coatings.