The performance of most oxidation resistant alloys and coatings is markedly improved if the oxide scale strongly adheres to the substrate surface. Consequently, in order to develop alloys and coatings with improved oxidation resistance, it has become necessary to determine the conditions that lead to spallation of oxides from the surfaces of alloys. In what follows, the morphological features of nonadherent Al2O3, and the substrate surfaces from which the Al2O3 has spalled, are presented and related to oxide spallation.The Al2O3, scales were developed by oxidizing Fe-25Cr-4Al (w/o) and Ni-rich Ni3 (Al,Ta) alloys in air at 1200°C. These scales spalled from their substrates upon cooling as a result of thermally induced stresses. The scales and the alloy substrate surfaces were then examined by scanning and replication electron microscopy.The Al2O3, scales from the Fe-Cr-Al contained filamentary protrusions at the oxide-gas interface, Fig. 1(a). In addition, nodules of oxide have been developed such that cavities were formed between the oxide and the substrate, Fig. 1(a).
