Compositional effects on the Type I hot corrosion of β-NiAl alloys

Cast alloys of nominal compositions Ni-36Al, Ni-36Al-5Co, Ni-36Al-5Pt, Ni-36Al-5Co-5Pt, and Ni-36Al-5Cr (at.%) were tested under Type I (900 °C) hot corrosion conditions in order to determine the influence of various elements commonly found in diffusion aluminide coatings on the resistance to this mode of attack. Chromium was found to be the most effective element in conferring hot corrosion resistance, but improvements in performance were also found with the addition of Co and/or Pt. Experimental evidence is presented which suggests that each of these elements increase the hot corrosion resistance of β-NiAl alloys primarily by increasing their ability to rapidly form a thermally grown Al2O3 scale and to heal this scale in the event of damage. Potential explanations for this enhanced scale formation and healing capability are discussed.