Isothermal oxidation behavior of FeCo–2V intermetallic alloy

Isothermal oxidation behavior and the nature of oxide layer formed during oxidation of FeCo–2V alloy were characterized in the temperature range of 500–600 °C. Oxidation kinetics of the alloy follows a parabolic rate law. SEM and XRD studies indicate the formation of an iron rich outer oxide layer and an inner solute rich layer containing cobalt and vanadium rich oxides. The oxidation mechanism of the FeCo–2V alloy is similar to that of low alloy steels. During the initial stages, preferential oxidation of iron and cobalt occurs at the alloy surface and leads to the formation of a solute rich inner layer. Continued oxidation occurs through oxidation of iron and cobalt at the outer layer and internal oxidation of inner layer. The iron rich oxide layer formed at the surface on oxidation of FeCo alloy is semi-conducting in nature and may not provide the necessary insulating barrier required at the surface to minimize eddy current losses during A.C. applications.