Reactive elements alumina scales

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. 

High reactivity elements (RE e.g., cerium, yttrium, zirconium, hafnium) are sometimes added to the Fe-Cr-Al matrix these help the formation of the alumina protective layer that is, they speed up the transition from the less to the more stable crystallographic lattices [5,6] and increase its adhesion to the substrate. Secondly this action is assisted by the precipitation of "pegs" made up by fhe oxides of fhe reactive elemenfs (RE), partially immersed both in the substrate and in the scale of continuous superficial oxide [6]. However, fhe same authors state that the formation of fhe pegs is nof vital for the resistance to the scaling off of fhe layers of superficial oxide. It is important to note that its crystallographic type is a-Al203, which is much more effective than the 5, y, or 9 types. 

Influence of reactive elements in alumina scale growth mechanism... 

Lees D G, On the reasons for the effects of dispersions of stable oxides and additions of reactive elements on the adhesion and growth-mechanisms of chromia and alumina scales - the sulfur effect , OxidMet, 1987, 27(1-2), 75-81... 

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