Evidence for chromium, cobalt and molybdenum volatilisations during high temperature oxidation of Co-27Cr-6Mo Alloy

A Co-27Cr-6Mo alloy was oxidised in pure O2 between 800 and 1000 °C for durations up to 96 h. The flow rate was varied between 2 and 5 cm.s–1. In these conditions, volatilisations of chromium, cobalt and molybdenum were observed. The chromium volatilisation values were in good agreement with calculations assuming (CrO3)g volatilisation limited by diffusion in the gas boundary layer. On the contrary, the measured flux of evaporated Co was higher than the calculated Co volatilisation flux from the metallic Co. The theoretical relation between the solid Co particle size and its vapour pressure was suggested to help explaining such difference. •Volatilisations of Cr, Co and Mo from Co-27Cr-6Mo alloy were examined in dry O2.•A strong influence of O2 flow rate on Cr volatilisation was observed.•Cr volatilisation from Co-27Cr-6Mo alloy is not neglectable in dry atmosphere at temperatures lower than 1000 °C.•Co volatilisation was observed, higher than predicted by classical thermodynamic calculation.