Effects of Y2O3 nanoparticles on the high-temperature oxidation behavior of IN738LC manufactured by laser powder bed fusion

Oxidation tests at 1095 degrees C were performed on cubes of IN738LC doped with Y2O3 nanoparticles processed by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Adding Y2O3 nanoparticles led to grain coarsening and the formation of Y4Al2O9, both of which were expected to lead to reduced corrosion resistance in this alloy through a change from an Al-type oxide scale to Cr-type. However, 0.05 wt% Y2O3 addition was found to nonetheless be beneficial for corrosion resistance. Results and mechanisms for this were discussed and further work was recommended, in particular for the grain coarsening.