High temperature oxidation behaviour of single crystal superalloys RR3000 and CMSX-4

Abstract This paper describes the oxidation behaviour of two technologically important nickel based superalloys, RR3000 and CMSX-4, used extensively in gas turbine blade applications. Oxidation tests were conducted in air at 1100°C for equal and extended periods of time, up to 100 h to compare the superalloys characteristic properties. The morphology of oxide growth in the test samples was investigated using metallography, SEM, EDX, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Cr3+ photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results indicated that irrespective of the duration of exposure, alloy RR3000 develops a much thicker oxide scale than alloy CMSX-4. Examination of cross-sections revealed that the scale grown on the alloy RR3000 is porous and has a three layered structure consisting of an outer layer of (Ni, Co)O; a sublayer of CrTaO4 rich oxide with different spinels; and an inner layer of α-Al2O3. By contrast, the scale that forms on alloy CMSX-4 is compact and consists of two layers. The upper layer is primarily composed of spinels (Ni,Co)Al2O4 and (Ni,Cr)2O4, and the inner layer of α-Al2O3. Residual stress measurements using luminescence spectroscopy point to a weak adhesion of the oxide scale to the substrate for alloy RR3000 and a strong adhesion for alloy CMSX-4.

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