In-Depth Understanding of the Chemical Stripping Mechanism of AlSiY Coatings on Nickel Superalloys by First-Principles Calculation

In order to repair a failed AlSiY coating on aeroengine turbine components, the AlSiY coating was stripped using a nitric acid-based removal reagent. The homogeneity of chemical stripping was evaluated and the stripping mechanism was clarified using first-principles calculations. The effects of hydrofluoric acid (HF) and chromium trioxide (CrO3) on the homogeneity of chemical stripping were investigated by calculating the electronic work functions (EWFs) of the stripped surfaces. The results showed that the stripped surfaces of the AlSiY coating exhibited a serrated appearance when it was etched by a single nitric acid solution, indicating severely inhomogeneous stripping. With the addition of HF and/or CrO3, the homogeneity of chemical stripping could be greatly improved, which was attributed to the increased EWF of the (200) surface and the decreased EWF of the (110) surface, causing the corrosion cathode to transition from the (110) surface to the (200) surface. The HF+CrO3+HNO3 mixed reagent was the optimal combination for the uniform stripping of the AlSiY coating, while the inner layer was not broken. The Al atoms on the surface could be preferentially removed due to the strong bonding with acid ions. The research method proposed in the present work will provide a new means to design chemical removal reagents.