Role of alloying elements during thermocyclic oxidation of β/γ-TiAl alloys at high temperatures

Gamma titanium aluminides are promising alloys known for their good mechanical properties and low densities, but their low oxidation resistance at high temperatures limits their application. This work discusses the thermocyclic oxidation behavior of newly developed β/γ-TiAl alloys at temperatures between 600 °C and 900 °C. An influence of β-stabilizing alloying elements like Nb and V on the oxidation of these alloys has been investigated here. The selected alloys are tested in an in-house developed thermocyclic furnace. The oxidation study is supported by gravimetric measurements along with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Electron Diffraction Spectroscopy (EDS) mapping of the oxide layers. Additionally, phase formation after oxidation has been determined using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Results show that the Nb containing alloys are more oxidation resistant as compared to V containing alloys. The formation of a mixture of Al2O3 and TiO2 layers was found for all the alloys. Additionally, the oxide kinetics controlled the oxide growth and formation of various phases at different testing temperatures.