Characterisation of high temperature oxide scales for plasma sprayed NiCrAlY coated Ni‐ and Fe‐based superalloys

Purpose To characterise the high temperature oxide scales for some plasma sprayed NiCrAlY coated Ni‐ and Fe‐based superalloys. Design/methodology/approach Ni‐22Cr‐10Al‐1Y metallic coatings were deposited on two Ni‐based superalloys; Superni 601 and Superni 718 and one Fe‐based superalloy; Superfer 800H by the shrouded plasma spray process. Oxidation studies were conducted on uncoated as well as plasma spray coated superalloys in air at 900°C under cyclic conditions for 50 cycles. Each cycle consisted of 1 h heating followed by 20 min of cooling in air. The thermogravimetric technique was used to approximate the kinetics of oxidation. X‐ray diffraction, SEM/EDAX and EPMA techniques were used to analyse the oxide scales. Findings All of the coated, as well as the uncoated, superalloys followed an alnost‐parabolic rate of oxidation. The NiCrAlY coating was found to be successful in maintaining its continuous contact with the superalloy substrates in all the cases. The oxide scales formed on the exposed NiCrAlY coated superalloys were found to be intact and spallation‐free. The main phases analysed for the coated superalloys were oxides of nickel, chromium and aluminium and spinel of nickel and chromium, which are expected to be useful for developing oxidation resistance at high temperatures. Practical implications The coated superalloys showed remarkable cyclic oxidation resistance under simulated laboratory conditions. However, it is suggested that these coated superalloys also should be tested in actual industrial environments of boilers and gas turbines, etc. so as to obtain more practical and reliable oxidation data. Originality/value The knowledge of the reaction kinetics and the nature of the surface oxide scales formed during oxidation is important for evaluating the alloys for their use and degradation characteristics in high temperature applications such as steam boilers, furnace equipment, heat exchangers and piping in chemical industry, reformer, baffle plates/tubes in fertilizer plants, jet engines, pump bodies and parts.