Effect of water vapor on the phase transformation of alumina grown on NiAl at 950°C

Abstract: This particular study includes the analysis of the effect of H2O on promoting the phase transformation in thermally grown aluminum oxides formed on NiAl at 950°C. Oxidation of NiAl is carried out at 950°C in O2 and O2 +15vol.% H2O. It is observed that transient alumina initially formed on NiAl transforms to stable α-alumina in the presence of water vapor which promotes the subject transformation and eventually results in a compact scale, offering superior oxidation resistance. Present study includes the analysis of θ to α-alumina transformation under the effect of temperature and environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]