The effect of elevated air pressure on the oxidation properties of the nickel-based superalloy, RR1000, at 650°C with different surface modifications

AbstractSamples of RR1000 with differing grain size and surface finish have been exposed to air at different pressures. Specimens were exposed for 4000 h at 650°C with some exposed to atmospheric pressure air and some exposed to air at 40 bar pressure. Samples exposed to elevated pressure formed a surface layer of NiCr2O4 whereas that formed on samples tested at 1 bar pressure was chromia. The surface layer formed at 40 bar pressure was thinner than that a 1 bar pressure. At 1 bar pressure, some samples exhibited regions of convoluted buckled oxides but no spallation. In adjacent regions of planar oxides, spallation did occur. For the latter case, an estimate of 6 Jm−2 for the interfacial fracture energy has been made. None of the specimens tested at 40 bar pressure exhibited oxide spallation.