Presented in this focus issue of Oxidation of Metals are key papers that deal with alloy development for resistance to high-temperature corrosion applications. Both the oxidation behavior and mechanical properties of chromia- and alumina-scale forming materials exposed to severe atmospheres are generally considered. For instance, several papers deal with the influence of alloy Al or Cr contents on high temperature reactivity. Other papers deal with composition optimization or the development of more “exotic” materials, such as Co–Re–Si-base and Sm2 (Co, Fe, Cu, Zr)17 alloys.

The following key papers stem from presentations that were given at the 8th international conference on High Temperature Corrosion and Protection of Materials (HTCPM2012), which was held at Les Embiez Island, France, on the 20–25th of May 2012.