Chromium Diffusion Coatings for Mo-Based Silicides to Improve Their Oxidation Resistance

The oxidation behavior of two ternary Mo-Si-Ti alloys (eutectic Mo-20.0Si-52.8Ti and eutectoid Mo-21.0Si-34.0Ti) was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis at 700 degrees C, 900 degrees C, and 1300 degrees C for 100 h. The eutectic alloy formed a protective SiO2/TiO2 oxide scale, whereas the eutectoid alloy showed catastrophic oxidation. To improve the oxidation behavior of these alloys, chromium diffusion coatings deposited via pack cementation on the surface were investigated. Cr coatings were found to be suitable for improving oxidation resistance at 700 degrees C and 900 degrees C but failed at 1300 degrees C due to the evaporation of thin scales. At 700 degrees C and 900 degrees C, the formation of a Cr2O3 scale was proven on the Ti-rich/Mo-lean eutectic composition. After exposure, the Ti-lean/Mo-rich eutectoid composition, which is intrinsically more prone to oxidation, was found to form a continuous Cr2O3 scale only at 700 degrees C.