High Temperature Oxidation of Ni3Al Composites

Abstract

AbstractAs part of an effort to develop oxidation-resistant metal matrix composites, the influence of reinforcement materials on the oxidation of Ni3Al was studied. Thermogravimetric measurements and microstructural analyses were used to determine the 800°C oxidation behavior of Ni3Al and composites based on this material. The presence of fiber (Al2O3)- or particle (TiN or TiC)- reinforcement material in the Ni3Al increased susceptibility to oxidation as measured by the amount of reacted material, rate constants, and/or extent of internal attack. The orientation of fibers with respect to the free surfaces was found to affect the oxidation behavior by providing, in certain cases, reactive paths along the fiber-matrix interface that led to significant internal penetration. The results suggest that the choice of reinforcement material and the method of materials processing will be important considerations in the design of oxidation-resistant Ni3Al composites. However, ways to minimize the detrimental influence of the reinforcement material on oxidation resistance often conflict with requirements for obtaining attractive mechanical and physical properties of the composite.