Improving Hot Corrosion Resistance of Cobalt Based Superalloy (Superco-605) Using HVOF Sprayed Oxide Alloy Powder Coating

Superco-605 is a cobalt based superalloy used widely in the hot section of gas turbines. During their operation, they are exposed to high temperature and molten salt environment, causing damage to the component due to hot corrosion. In this investigation, Superco-605 alloy was coated using a fused oxide alloy powder, 10% Al2O3 + CoCrAlTaY, using high velocity oxy-fuel process. Coating thickness was in the range of 260-280 lm and it was lamellar in nature. Uncoated and coated samples were subjected to cyclic hot corrosion tests at 800 degrees C in presence of molten salt environment of Na2SO4+50%V2O5. Resistance to hot corrosion was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, visual observations, X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Both samples developed an oxide scale at the top. The uncoated Superco-605 exhibited intense spalling during hot corrosion cycles. The oxide scale on the coated substrate was thin compared to total thickness of the coating. There was a chromium depleted region close to the oxide top scale. An alumina rich layer at the interface of coating-substrate prevents penetration of oxygen into the substrate material. Based on the experimental results, it is concluded that the fused oxide alloy powder is effective in reducing hot corrosion tendency of Superco-605 alloy.