Oxidation Property of a Fourth-Generation Powder Metallurgy FGH4108 Nickel-Based Superalloy

Abstract

Isothermal oxidation kinetics of a fourth-generation powder metallurgy FGH4108 nickel-based superalloy is investigated at 800 °C to 1100 °C by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). At 800 °C and 900 °C, the oxidation kinetic curves of the FGH4108 superalloy follow parabolic law. At 1000 °C, the oxidation kinetic curve follows cubic law. At 1100 °C, the oxidation kinetic curve has two distinct parts: the first part follows a parabolic law, and the second one obeys a linear law. Cross-sectional morphologies and elemental distributions show that the oxide film consists of two parts at 800 °C: the outer layer is a continuous dense protective Cr2O3 oxide film, and the inner layer is a discontinuous Al2O3 oxide layer. At 900–1100 °C, the oxides consist of three layers: the outermost is the oxides of Cr2O3 and TiO2, the middle is a continuous oxide of Al2O3, and the innermost is dotted oxides of TiO2. The thickness of the inner TiO2 oxide layer increases with the increase of oxidation temperature. On this basis, the oxidation behavior of the FGH4108 superalloy at high temperatures is confirmed to be controlled by the diffusion of Cr, Al, Ti, and O. From the aspect of oxidation resistance, the long-term service temperature of the FGH4108 superalloy should not exceed 1000 °C.