Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) Characterization of Scales Formed on Laves Phase Reinforced Cr Alloys at 1100°C in Air

Abstract

Laves phase (Cr2X) strengthened Cr solid solution [Cr(X)]-based alloys are under development for a variety of high-temperature structural applications. Among the most promising alloys are castings based on the Cr(Ta)-Cr2Ta eutectic, which exhibit room-temperature fracture toughness in the 10-12 MPa√m range and creep rupture lives in excess of 1000 h at 1000° (138 MPa) in air. These alloys exhibit superior high-temperature oxidation resistance to previously developed Cr(Nb)-Cr2 Nb based alloys despite the general similarities of Ta and Nb. In order to optimize high-temperature oxidation resistance an understanding of why the Cr(Ta)-Cr2Ta alloys are more oxidation resistant is needed. Detailed EPMA characterization of the oxidized scaleswas initiated as a first steptowards gaining this understanding.Fig. 1 shows a backscattered electron image of cast and heat treated and heat treated Cr-10Nb at.% after a 6 cycle, 120 h exposure at 1100°C in humid air. Most of the coupon was converted to a complex mixture of Cr-, Nb-, and Cr+ Nb- oxides.