High Temperature Oxidation of Cr-ZrO2-Al2O3 Composite Fabricated by Mechanical Alloying and Spark Plasma Sintering

The high temperature oxidation resistance of Cr-ZrO2-Al2O3 composites fabricated by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering (SPS) has been evaluated. Composite powders were prepared by ball milling Cr-5vol%ZrO2-50vol%Al2O3 powder mixtures. Powders were compacted by SPS in less than 5 min, so that a particular metal-ceramic interpenetrating network is obtained. High temperature oxidation tests (900-1100 0C) in air have revealed good oxidation resistance (1.8, 2.6 and 15.3 mg/cm2 at 900, 1000 and 1100 °C, respectively) due to a protective Cr2O3 layer. EDX analysis revealed that Cr diffusion takes place at 1100 oC from the bulk towards the composite surface leading to Cr depletion at near-surface zones. Chromium contained in the bulk tends to oxidize through oxygen diffusion apparently occurring along the grain boundaries.