Microstructure and cyclic oxidation behavior of W-Cr alloys prepared by sintering of mechanically alloyed nanocrystalline powders

► Ball-milled nano-powders of W1 − xCrx(= 0.3-0.6) alloys were sintered to 97% density. ► W0.5Cr0.5 with the finest spacing of Wss-Crss lamellae shows the highest hardness. ► On cyclic test at 800 °C, the W0.4Cr0.6 shows the least oxidation due to Cr2O3 scale. ► For cyclic exposure at 1000-1200 °C, the W0.5Cr0.5 is the most oxidation resistant. ► Oxidation protection at temperatures ≥ 1000 °C is due to the formation of Cr2WO6 scale.