Surface modification of titanium aluminides with fluorine to improve their application for high temperature service conditions

Recently the target temperature of components manufactured from gamma-TiAl alloys like turbine blades, turbocharger rotors or automotive valves has been increased to 900 °C. However, there is an insufficient oxidation resistance above 750 °C. One method used to improve the gamma-TiAl oxidation behaviour is the so-called fluorine microalloying effect. After application of fluorine to the TiAl surface by ion implantation or treatment with diluted HF and oxidation at 900 °C in air a dense alumina layer is formed. However, after the treatments a distinct loss of fluorine was observed during heating and within the first hours of oxidation. In this work the long time behaviour during isothermal and cyclic oxidation up to 1500 h/900 °C/air was investigated showing a slow fluorine decrease. The alumina layer acts as a diffusion barrier for fluorine, whereas fluorine diffuses into the metal. The diffusion coefficient was calculated. The results fit the theoretical model of the fluorine effect.