Oxidation behavior of in-situ Al2O3/TiAl composites at 900°C in static air

In-situ Al₂O₃/TiAl composites were successfully synthesized from the starting powders of Ti, Al, TiO₂ and Nb₂O₅. The oxidation behavior of the composites at 900°C in static air was investigated. The results indicate that the composite samples present a much lower oxidation mass gain. Under long-time intensive oxidation exposure, the formed oxide scale is multi-layer. The formation of the outer TiO₂ layer is fine and dense, the internal Al₂O₃ scale has good adhesiveness with the outer TiO₂ scale, and the TiO₂+Al₂O₃ mixed layer forming the protective oxide scale is favorable for the improvement of oxidation resistance. It is believed that the incorporation of Al₂O₃ particulates into the metal matrix decreases the coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate, and forms a local three-dimensional network structure that can hold the oxide scale. The formation of the oxide scale with finer particle size, stronger adherence, less micro-defects and slower growth rate can contribute to the improvement of oxidation resistance. Nb element plays an important role in reducing the internal oxidation action of the materials, restraining the growth of TiO₂ crystals and promoting the stable formation of the Al₂O₃-riched layer, which is beneficial to improve the oxidation properties.