Impurity Effects on Alumina Scale Growth

Abstract

Most high‐temperature‐resistant alloys oxidize to form an external alumina layer, or scale, whose slow growth protects the underlying alloy from continued aggressive oxidation. The growth of the Al2O3 scale is controlled by the transport of oxygen inward and aluminum outward through it, with the rate dominated by the fastest diffusing species down the fastest path. Components in the alloy can be incorporated into the growing Al2O3 layer, hence affect the transport rates of oxygen and/or aluminum. This paper summarizes existing experimental data to assess the possible effect of these incorporated impurities on the growth rate and transport properties of Al2O3 scales formed on Fe‐, Ni‐, and Pt‐based alloys. The amount and distribution of the alloy base metal, sulfur impurity, and reactive elements, such as Hf, Y, Zr, and Ce, in the alumina scale are evaluated. Their effect on the oxidation and transport rates through the scale are discussed and compared with Al and O diffusion rates deduced from creep studies.