Hot corrosion behavior of a Ni₃Al-based IC21 alloy in a molten salt environment

Ni₃Al-based alloys have become important candidates for hot components in turbine engines, owing to their low densities and outstanding mechanical properties in service environments. The hot corrosion behavior of a Ni₃Al-based IC21 alloy in a molten salt environment of 75 wt% Na ₂SO₄ and 25 wt% NaCl at 900°C was studied, via oxidation kinetics analyses, scanning electron microscope observations and energy dispersive as well as diffraction analyses by X-ray. A multilayer corrosion oxide scale and dendritic morphology internal corrosion zone formed after hot corrosion, and inter-phase selective corrosion phenomena were also observed. Salt fluxing and oxidation-sulfidation processes were inferred to be the essential hot corrosion mechanisms of the alloy. Moreover, additions of Cr and Y proved to be beneficial to the hot corrosion resistance of the IC21 alloy, while the Mo content should be strictly controlled.