Development of growth and thermal stresses in NiO scale on nanocrystalline Ni without and with dispersion of CeO2 nanoparticles

The development of growth and thermal stresses in the NiO scale on a nanocrystalline (NC) Ni without and with the dispersion of CeO2 nanoparticles during isothermal oxidation in air at 800 °C and subsequent cooling has been analyzed by using a two-sided oxidation deflection testing. The CeO2 dispersion causes the NC Ni to form a NiO scale which accommodates higher growth stresses during oxidation but lower thermal stresses during cooling. The result is interpreted by characterization of the effect of CeO2 dispersion on the growth mechanism and microstructure of the NiO scale on the NC Ni.