Corrosion behavior of a Mo(Si, Al)2 composite at 1700°C in 95% N2 + 5% H2

Abstract

A Mo(Si, Al)2 based composite was pre-oxidized to establish an alumina scale on the material surface. Thereafter, the corrosion behavior of the composite was examined at 1700 °C for up to 24 h in 95% N2 + 5% H2.The weight change was followed by recording the material weight before and after exposure. The crystalline corrosion products were analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the microstructure of the cross sectioned material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS).It was shown that AlN and Al5O6N layers developed on top of the pre-oxidized alumina layer and alumina threads develop out from the specimen surface. The accompanied aluminum consumption converts the substrate Mo(Si,Al)2 into Mo5Si3 immediately below the alumina scale to the extent that the Mo5Si3 becomes porous underneath the alumina scale. Corrosion mechanisms are discussed with the support of thermodynamic calculations.