The oxidation behavior of CoCrAI systems containing active element additions

Abstract

The effect of small amounts of yttrium (up to 1 wt. %) and hafnium (up to 1.5 wt.%) on the oxidation behavior of Co-Cr-Al alloys in the temperature range 1000–1200°C for times up to 1000 hr in air has been studied. The major portion of the study has been concerned with Co-10Cr-11Al base alloys. Both isothermal and cyclic tests have been carried out; the cycle used consisted of 20 hr at temperature, followed by cooling to room temperature. Both additions reduce the overall oxidation, Hf somewhat more so than Y. In part, this is due to the improved adhesion between scale and alloy reducing scale spallation at temperature, and in part due to possible modification of the Al₂O₃ grain size. The former factor is far more critical under thermal cycling conditions. Under isothermal conditions the oxidation rate increases with increasing Hf content with all but the 1.5 wt.% alloy oxidizing more slowly than the Hf-free alloy; increase in Y content has the reverse effect. Under thermal cycling conditions the 0.3 and 1.0 wt.% Hf alloys show the lowest overall weight gain. Metallographic evidence suggests that the improved scale adhesion is due principally to a pegging mechanism; the active elements promote the growth of intrusions of Al₂O₃ into the alloy. However, if the intrusions are too large, they can act as initiators of scale failure.