Cyclic Oxidation and Hot Corrosion Behavior of Y/Cr-Modified Aluminide Coatings Prepared by a Hybrid Slurry/Pack Cementation Process

Abstract

Y/Cr-modified aluminide coatings were prepared on a Ni-base super-alloy K417G using a hybrid slurry/pack cementation process. The coatings consisted of a NiAl layer with dissolved Cr and Y. The microstructures and high temperature corrosion behavior of the coatings were characterized using SEM/EDS, XRD, EPMA and SIMS. Cyclic oxidation tests at 1000 degrees C for 200 h were carried out in air. The results indicated that specimens coated by either the Y/Cr-modified aluminide coatings or the simple aluminide coatings exhibited better oxidation resistances than the cast alloy. The Y/Cr-modified aluminide coatings possessed lower oxidation rates and better degradation resistance than the simple aluminide coatings during the oxidation tests. Furthermore, the alumina scales formed on the Y/Cr-modified aluminide coatings were considerably more adherent than those on the simple aluminide coatings during the thermal cycling. The hot corrosion tests consisted of applying a 25 wt% K(2)SO(4) + 75 wt% Na(2)SO(4) salt mixture to the specimens and exposing at 900 degrees C. The Y/Cr-modified aluminide coatings showed the longest service life compared with the cast alloy and aluminide coatings, which suffered significant sulfur attack. After 200 h, the Y/Cr-modified aluminide coatings were still protective.