Microstructure and oxidation behaviour of Fe–Cr–silicide coating on a niobium alloy

Abstract

The cyclic oxidation performance of a Fe–Cr-modified silicide coating on Nb-alloy C-103 was evaluated in air at temperatures between 1100 and 1500°C and the microstructural changes examined. The coating was oxidation resistant and the duration of protection increased from 60 minutes at 1100°C to 255 minutes at 1500°C. The formation of the surface glassy silica layer and its ability to heal the cracks in the coating enhanced the oxidation performance at high temperatures. The outer NbSi₂ layer served as a reservoir of Si and sustained the formation of the protective silica scale. Spallation of the silica scale and the concomitant depletion of the NbSi₂ layer towards the regeneration of the silica scale limit the oxidation life of the coating.

Keywords

Silicide coating Niobium alloy Oxidation

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