Effect of Aluminizing on the Oxidation of Inconel 718 and Inconel 738LC Superalloys at 925-1050 °C

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of aluminizing on the oxidation of Inconel 718 and Inconel 738LC superalloys. Bare and high-activity chemical vapor deposition (CVD) aluminized Inconel 718 and Inconel 738LC samples were oxidized in air at 925, 1000, and 1050 degrees C for 200 h. Detailed cross-sectional examinations, elemental analyses, mass change measurements, and X-ray diffraction studies were performed. It was observed that the oxidation resistances of both alloys were significantly improved by the Al2O3 scale formed on the NiAl layer that was created on the surfaces of the samples during aluminizing. The beneficial effect of aluminizing was found to be more evident in the case of Inconel 738LC alloy samples which showed lower oxidation rates at all test temperatures. The results have been discussed on the basis of the differences in aluminum contents of the alloys and their effects on diffusion.