Oxidation Response and Coatings for Mo-Si-B Alloys

Abstract

ABSTRACTMo-Si-B alloys respond to high temperature oxidation in two distinct stages. First, there is a transient stage with an initial high recession rate that corresponds to the evaporation of volatile MoO3 due to the oxidation of the molybdenum rich phases. The steady state stage of the oxidation begins when a borosilica layer that initiated in the transient period becomes continuous and protects the alloy from further rapid oxidation. Then, the oxidation rate is limited by oxygen diffusion through the borosilicate layer. In order to improve the oxidation performance of the Mo-Si-B alloys, it is necessary to minimize the transient stage. The three phases, Mo (solid solution), Mo3Si (A15) and Mo5SiB2 (T2), composing the Mo-Si-B alloys play different roles in the transient stage. The interaction of the three phases with a reduced microstructure scale can reduce considerably the transient oxidation stage. As a further approach to inhibit the transient stage, a kinetic biasing strategy has been developed to capitalize on the reactions between different phases to develop useful reaction products and alloy compositions that evolve toward a steady state of a compatible system. In order to achieve a compatible interface coating together with enhanced oxidation resistance, a pack cementation process has been adopted to apply diffusion coatings. Two areas are highlighted for successful coating applications on Mo-Si-B alloys and robust high temperature oxidation resistance: development of metal-rich silicide + borosilicide high-temperature coating and in-situ thermal-barrier + borosilica coatings.