Effect of Cr element on the microstructure and oxidation resistance of novel NiAl-based high temperature lubricating composites

Abstract This research focused on the effect of Cr element on the microstructure and oxidation resistance of NiAl-based composites. The grain size of the composite was smaller with the addition of Cr and some smaller precipitated phases distributed along the grain boundaries. The oxidation resistance of the composite was improved, which was probable due to Cr could accelerate the transformation of metastable θ-Al2O3 to stable α-Al2O3 and decreased the oxidation rate. Meanwhile, the oxidation surface covered with a dense and uniform NiAl2O4 oxide layer, which could effectively slow down the diffusion of elements and further improved the oxidation resistance.