High temperature behaviour of NiCrAlY coatings made by laser cladding

The oxidation behaviour of NiCrAlY coatings made by laser cladding on Hastelloy X is presented in this study. Laser cladding is an alternative method to thermal spraying for the production of bond coats. Comparable dense layers with approximately zero porosity should improve the oxidation behaviour. The oxidation behaviour of the coated specimens was assessed by air furnace oxidation tests at 1100 °C for up to 450 h. The coatings were analysed by means of light and electron microscopy techniques, microprobe analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis. The analysis was performed before and after the oxidation tests. The as-clad coating had a columnar dendritic structure and it did not show the presence of the relevant defects. After the oxidation tests an oxide scale was present which consisted of two distinct layers. The layers consisted of an outer layer of mixed spinel-type oxides and an inner continuous layer, in which alumina was present. The obtained results suggested that up to 450 h the system was able to form a continuous alumina layer that could protect the substrate from oxygen diffusion.