Discontinuities in Oxidation Kinetics: A New Model and its Application to Cr–Si-Base Alloys

Some alloys such as many Cr-based systems show mass gain discontinuities during thermogravimetric measurements which strongly affect the oxidation kinetics. The behaviour cannot be described by the current models available in the literature. Thus, a novel $$k_\mathrm{para}$$ k para –$$k_\mathrm{lin}$$ k lin -P-model was developed to describe oxidation kinetics during the isothermal exposure of materials which show such behaviour. Beside the parabolic rate constant $$k_\mathrm{para}$$ k para and the linear mass loss constant $$k_\mathrm{lin}$$ k lin , the P-value and $$f_P$$ f P are introduced to take into account spontaneous rapid mass gains due to local oxide scale failure. The parameter P serves as a measure for the mass gain due to discontinuous events and $$f_P$$ f P is the frequency of such events. The both parameters can be related to oxide scale detachment and growth stresses. The application of the model is demonstrated for the oxidation of Cr–Si-based alloys in synthetic air at $$1200^{\circ }\hbox {C}$$ 1200 ∘ C for 100 h. For these alloys, the origin of the mass gain discontinuities is discussed and the meaning of P and $$f_P$$ f P is explained in more detail. Using this newly developed model, an insight into growth and nitridation resistance of oxide scales as well as scale adhesion is gained.