Alumina scales intermetallics

Aluminides based on the intermetallic phases Ni3Al and Fe3Al are considered both as structural materials and as coatings for high temperature applications [1-6]. Their excellent corrosion resistance is due to their forming a dense, protective alumina scale. Alumina, especially ot-Al203, shows low rate constants even at temperatures above 1000°C [7]. Unlike chromia, which is formed on conventional stainless steels and nickel base alloys, alumina does not evaporate above 1000°C [8] and it is even stable in oxygen deficient atmospheres. 

The areas concerning monolithic intermetallics which have been studied in recent years are (i) the formation of mctastable aluminas, and their transformation to stable a-alumina, (ii) the formation of interfacial voids and scale adherence and how these are influenced by reactive elements and sulfur, and (iii) accelerated oxidation at intermediate temperatures. Additionally the applications oriented areas of (iv) coatings, (v) oxidation of composites, and (vi) life predictions have received attention. 

A number of intermetallic compounds, which form protective alumina or silica scales at high temperature, undergo accelerated degradation at intermediate temperatures. This subject has been recently reviewed [29]. The observations actually involve several different, but related, phenomena which may be subdivided into accelerated oxidation , internal oxidation , intergranular oxidation and disintegration . The following definitions will be used throughout this paper. 

---