High-temperature oxidation kinetics of NiAl single crystal and oxide spallation as a function of crystallographic orientation

Isothermal and cyclic high-temperature oxidation of NiAl single crystal samples are presented. Oxidations have been carried out at 900, 1050, 1100 and 1150 degreesC on (1 0 0) and (1 1 0) oriented surface. Continuous thermogravimetry in cyclic conditions allows isothermal oxidation kinetics and spalling at each cycle to be followed. Oxidation kinetics are compared between (1 0 0) surface and (1 1 0) surface. (1 0 0) oriented surfaces appeared to oxidize slightly faster than (1 1 0) oriented surfaces. Experimental results of cyclic oxidation are compared to simulated results using a previously published statistical model. Spalling increases when the average oxide scale thickness increases with the number of cycles. Longer tests are necessary to study this evolution during the 'steady-state' but no critical oxide thickness was found. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.