Oxidation-Nitridation of chromium at high temperatures and its mitigation by alloying

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This work investigates oxidation and nitridation in the binary Cr-Si system, focusing on the kinetics and thermodynamics of oxidation through a systematic approach. The oxidation and nitridation behavior of individual phases—solid-solution phase (Crss) and silicide phase (A15)—were studied separately, examining short and long-term exposure kinetics, thermodynamic stability, and post-exposure characterization of scale and subscale morphologies. Results indicate that chromium is the primary element in the oxidation process, making these alloys significant chromia formers. Notably, localized SiO₂ formation plays a crucial role in reducing oxidation kinetics, with the oxidation rate of chromium decreasing dramatically with the addition of just 3 at.% Si. The A15 Cr₃Si phase developed a continuous SiO₂ layer during long-term exposure. In a two-phase eutectic alloy, both phases oxidized cooperatively, leading to chromium depletion and the formation of an A15 layer at the alloy-scale interface. The influence of nitrogen as an oxidant was also examined, revealing that a chromium subnitride layer grows via inward nitrogen diffusion, while Si significantly hinders nitridation. The A15 silicide remains stable under high nitrogen pressures and acts as a protective barrier. Further exploration of the ternary Cr-Ge-Si system showed that Ge stabilizes the A15 phase and maintains a fine-lamellar microstructure. This approach notably improved