Effect of Nd Addition on the Microstructure and Cyclic Oxidation Behavior of NiAl–Cr(Mo) Eutectic Alloys

Abstract

The effect of a minor amount of rare-earth element Nd addition (0.1 at%) on the microstructural properties, microhardness, and cyclic oxidation resistance of NiAl–Cr(Mo) alloy is investigated in detail. The microstructure of investigated alloys is composed of NiAl-based dendrites and a eutectic mixture whose components are NiAl and Cr(Mo) phases. The minor amount of Nd addition refines the microstructure and increases the microhardness considerably. The results of the cyclic oxidation tests reveal that the surface scales of both alloys are mainly consisted of α-Al2O3 and little amount of Cr2O3. A Cr(Mo)-rich layer is observed in the metal/oxide interface. With Nd addition, the oxidation resistance of Ni–33Al–31Cr–3Mo alloy is strongly improved. The Nd-added alloy exhibits lower oxidation mass gain and increased scale adherence. © 2023, American Foundry Society.