Rutherford backscattering spectrometry as an experimental method to study the oxidation mechanism of NiAl3 alloy

Abstract
The oxidation mechanism of NiAl3 alloy is investigated by means of Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS), using 2.0 MeV He+ ions. In addition SEM and thermogravimetry experiments were performed. The oxidation characteristics of Ni–Al alloys are of interest because of their application as coating materials on high temperature alloys. It is found that during thermal oxidation at 973 K, an Al2O3 scale is formed on the alloy. The scale grows at a sub‐parabolic rate and does not spall‐off. These characteristics make NiAl3 a promising coating material.