The Effect of Deformation Substructure on the High-Temperature Oxidation of Inconel 625

Abstract

The high-temperature, isothermal-oxidation behavior of a superalloy was studied in the as-rolled and deformed conditions. The microstructural changes occurring during the oxidation of samples were examined using optical, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fine-probe EDS microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The topography of the oxide layers formed in the as-rolled and cold-deformed specimens exposed at various temperatures and time intervals is also examined. The kinetics and microstructural results are presented for the comparative study of the structural changes occurring during high-temperature oxidation. It was found that a Cr₂O₃ external layer was adherent and uniform on the rolled specimens in comparison to the scattered and preferential oxide developed on the deformed specimens. The latter can be attributed to the concurrent dynamic changes occurring in the deformed substructure that subsequently lead to breaking and spallation of the oxide.