Enhancing the wear and oxidation behaviors of the Inconel 718 by low temperature aluminizing

Abstract

Inconel 718 has a wide area of applications in gas turbines, aircraft, turbocharger rotor equipment, and so many other applications, including applications with temperatures up to ~700 °C. In this study, Ni-based aluminide coating on Inconel 718 alloy was applied by pack cementation technique. Phase structures, layer coating thickness, hardness, wear, and oxidation behaviors were studied for different aluminization temperatures and times (600 and 700 °C for 3 and 5 h). The change in the layer from the surface to the inside was varied from 8 to 80 μm and this was increased with higher aluminization temperature and more time. The hardness value of 960 HV was determined in the coating layer whereas the hardness of the matrix was 260 ± 10 HV. The wear resistance of the samples was tested under dry sliding conditions with different loads. The wear resistance of Inconel 718 has increased with aluminization. Increased aluminization duration and temperature reduced wear losses. Isothermal oxidation test results at 1000 °C for 5, 25, and 125 h show that Inconel 718 has a poor oxidation resistance under these conditions while aluminized Inconel 718 samples exhibit better results. The comparison of the aluminized Inconel 718 samples after oxidation tests showed that the aluminization at higher temperatures allowed the formation of a compact and continuous alumina layer while the formation of porosities under the oxide scale weakened the adherence and durability in the others. • The Inconel 718 was subjected to low temperature aluminizing at different temperatures and times. • Microstructure, wear and oxidation properties of Inconel 718 and coatings were investigated. • Aluminization improved the wear and oxidation properties of the Inconel 718 alloy. • With the increasing surface hardness, wear losses and friction coefficient decreased. • The formed Ni Al rich phases enable the formation of alumina phases during the oxidation tests.