Effect of Pd and Hf co-doping of aluminide coatings on pure nickel and CMSX-4 nickel superalloy

Microstructure of palladium and hafnium co-doped aluminide coatings deposited on pure nickel and CMSX4 nickel super alloy by the CVD method was examined by the SEM and TEM methods. Both coatings have a double layer structure: additive and interdiffusion zones. The additive zone is formed by the hafnium doped β-(Ni,Pd)Al phase. The interdiffusion zone on pure nickel contains the palladium and hafnium doped γ′-Ni3Al phase, whereas that on CMSX-4 superalloy the hafnium doped β-(Ni,Pd)Al phase with precipitations of Topologically Closed-Pack phases (μ and σ) and Al2O3 at adhesive/interdifusion zones interfaces. Palladium is distributed uniformly in whole coatings. Hafnium forms precipitates that are situated in a Hf-rich belt. In both coatings this belt is in the additive layer, near the line of porosity and Al2O3 precipitates. Palladium and hafnium modified aluminide coatings show better oxidation resistance than those modified only with palladium.