Oxidation behaviour of Fe–40 at.-% Al intermetallics with Li or Cu additions at high temperature

Fe–40 at.-% Al intermetallics with the addition of Li (1 and 3 at.-%) and Cu (3 and 5 at.-%) were produced using standard casting techniques. The oxidation behaviour was obtained using thermogravimetric analyses in an atmosphere of 99.99% oxygen at 800, 900, 1000, and 1100°C. The oxidation product layers on the top and cross-sectional views were characterised using SEM and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping. The different alumina phases can produce a double layer with different mechanical and chemical properties. The results showed that the addition of 1% Li assisted the activation of the oxide production at 1000 and 1100°C, while the rest of the third element additions slightly modified the oxidation resistance.