An investigation was carried out to study the kinetics and products of
oxidation of a wrought Ni-Cr-W-Mn-Si-La alloy at temperatures in the
range of 950 to 1150 degrees C. Oxidation kinetics were evaluated from
measurements of weight change, metal loss, and internal penetration.
Analytical electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron
probe microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize
the scale microstructure. Initially, La was observed to segregate with
in a surface layer of about 5 mu m thick, which promoted Selective oxi
dation of Cr and Mn. Oxidation kinetics were found to follow a parabol
ic-rate law with an activation energy of about 232 kJ/mol. During stea
dy-state oxidation, the scale consisted of an inner adherent layer of
alpha-Cr2O3 modified by the presence of La and Si, and shielded by an
outer layer of MnCr2O4. Most of the La was segregated to grain boundar
ies of the alpha-Cr2O3 scale, however, Si was homogeneously distribute
d. It was concluded that the characteristic oxidation resistance of th
e alloy was related to the synergistic effects of Ni and Cr and to the
effective minor additions of La, Si, and Mn; however, the useful life
of the scale was limited by rupture and surface depletion in Cr, lead
ing to accelerated internal oxidation.