Oxidation resistance and mechanical properties of Laves phase reinforced Cr in-situ composites

Two-phase Cr(X)–Cr2X (X=Nb, Ta) in-situ composites are of interest for high-temperature applications due to their high melting points and potential for high-temperature strength. A six cycle, 120 h, 1100°C cyclic oxidation screening test was used to evaluate potential for high-temperature oxidation resistance of several Cr(X)–Cr2X in-situ composites. Alloys based on the Cr–Ta system near the Cr(Ta)–Cr2Ta eutectic exhibited superior oxidation resistance compared to corresponding alloys based on the Cr–Nb system. The binary Cr–Ta alloys were also found to exhibit a moderate degree of room-temperature fracture toughness, in the range of 9–10 MPa√m. It was concluded that the Cr(Ta)–Cr2Ta alloys are a promising base for future high-temperature intermetallic alloy development efforts.