High-Temperature Oxidation and Oxide Scale Formation in Plasma-Sprayed CoNiCrAlYRe Coatings

MCrAlY coatings are usually adopted to improve the environmental resistance of Ni-based superalloy components of turbine engines against high-temperature oxidation and hot corrosion. In this work, CoNiCrAlYRe coatings were produced by atmospheric plasma spraying. The coatings exhibited relatively low oxygen content and porosity. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy analyses revealed that the high-temperature exposure at 1383 K (1110 °C) promoted the growth of an oxide scale on the top surface being composed of a continuous and dense Al₂O₃ inner layer followed by an outer mixed layer (Cr₂O₃ and spinels). The oxide scale was mainly composed of Al₂O₃, while the formation of mixed oxides occurred at lesser extent. After high-temperature exposure, the formation of internal oxides in some areas reduced the inter-lamellar cohesion, so that a decrease in microhardness was found.