Challenges in Developing Oxidation-Resistant Chromium-Based Alloys for Applications Above 900°C

Chromium-based alloys are potential candidates for high-temperature structural applications. This article reviews the challenges of chromium and Cr-alloys used at temperatures higher than 900°C with the focus on their oxidation behavior. First, latest findings on the key environmental factors affecting the oxidation resistance such as volatilization and the impact of nitrogen in air are summarized. Oxidation resistance is addressed with regards to the effects of major alloying elements and reactive elements as well as its correlation with microstructure in multi-phase alloys. Secondly, the existing challenges to develop chromium alloys with enhanced high-temperature oxidation resistance are discussed. It is shown that volatilization and nitridation, the two major obstacles for the use of chromium alloys in air, can be significantly improved by alloy design.