Improvement in oxidation behavior of Al0.2Co1.5CrFeNi1.5TiO0.3 high-entropy superalloys by minor Nb addition

High-entropy superalloys (HESAs) can replace commercial Ni-based superalloys. For high-temperature applications, the oxidation resistance of HESAs must be considered. Herein, the oxidation mechanism of HESA with sufficient minor Nb addition was conducted at 900 degrees C under atmosphere. With 0.9 at% Nb added in the base metal, oxidation resistance was significantly improved, which was confirmed by a furnace test and thermogravimetry. The isothermal oxidation resistance was enhanced by approximately 66%, owing to the presence of the Nb-rich layer. This improvement was observed and analyzed by backscattering electron images through scanning electron microscopy and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy with a field-emission electron probe microanalyzer. The mechanism of oxide formation was elucidated by X-ray diffraction for various exposure time durations. With Nb minor addition, the microstructures of the present alloy were found to be composed of gamma matrix and gamma' precipitates and the mechanical properties were slightly higher than those without Nb. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.