Effect of electroless nickel plating on high temperature oxidation behavior of carbon nanotube reinforced René104 superalloy composites

In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced René104 superalloy laminated composites with sub-micron grain size were prepared by ball milling and spark plasma sintering (SPS). MWCNTs did not change the composition and distribution of oxide scale of René104 alloy, but the micropores caused by MWCNTs formed oxygen molecular channels, which accelerated the oxidation at 900 °C. Electroless nickel plating on MWCNTs can improve the compatibility between MWCNTs and René104 matrix, thus significantly reducing the influence of MWCNTs on high temperature oxidation. This work will pave the way to develop the high-temperature structural materials reinforced by carbon nanomaterials. •MWCNTs reinforced René 104 superalloy laminated composites were prepared by ball milling and SPS.•Ni-MWCNTs are uniformly distributed on the laminated boundaries, while some MWCNTs are agglomerated.•The effect of MWCNTs on high temperature oxidation of René 104 alloy was reduced by electroless nickel plating.