Oxidation behavior of complex niobium based alloys

This paper begins by examining the general physical metallurgy of complex Nb based alloys that are potentially useful in high-temperature applications. The focus of the paper is on the nature of high-temperature oxidation resistance in these alloys and the effect of alloying on the microstructure and related improvements in oxidation behavior of Nb-Ti-Si base alloys. The general features associated with the oxidation reactions at various temperatures for Nb alloys have been investigated with emphasis on the role of different alloying elements. In particular, the overall kinetics of the oxidation reaction, the nature of the reaction products and the development of the oxidation products has been thoroughly evaluated and the mechanism of oxidation discussed briefly. (AU)