Effect of Ti and Ta on the oxidation of a complex superalloy

Abstract

The oxidation behaviors of a series of directionally solidified Ni-base superalloys were studied at 1000 and 1100°C. These alloys are based on a composition of Ni-4.2Co-4.8Cr-12.8Al-1.6W3.1Mo-1.0Re (at.%), with additions of Ta and Ti. Both Ta and Ti partition to alloy phases in a manner similar to Al. With addition of 1 at. % of Ta, the oxidation resistance is improved significantly, while 1 at. % of Ti appears to have no effect. Raising the concentration of Ta and Ti to 3 at. % degrades the oxidation resistance, the degradation is especially severe with 3 at. % of Ta. At only 1 at. % of Ta and Ti, both alloys establish a protective layer of Al₂O₃. The loss of the oxidation resistance at 3 at. % addition of Ta and Ti is related to the formation of complex oxides which are less protective. Detailed analysis of the oxide phases are conducted using a combination of X-ray diffraction and SEM. Characterizations of the oxidation behaviors are made under isothermal and cyclic conditions. The discrepancies between data obtained under both conditions were noted.