Alloying on the high-temperature oxidation behavior of Nb-Ti-Si-based alloy additively manufactured by laser directed energy deposition

Nb-Si-based alloys have important application prospects in the new generation of high-thrust-to-weight ratio aero-engines hot-end components. Understanding how alloying affects the microstructure and oxidation resistance of Nb-Si-based alloys is crucial for their applications. In this work, the effects of Zr, Cr and Mo on the microstructure and high-temperature oxidation resistance of Nb-23Ti-14Si-based alloys prepared by laser directed energy deposition (LDED) were investigated. Results showed that the oxidation resistance at 1250 °C of as-deposited Nb-23Ti-14Si-based alloys enhanced by Zr, Cr and Mo alloying, of these, Cr is the most significant, followed by Zr and Mo. The oxide film of Nb-23Ti-14Si-based alloys have three distinct oxide layer: the inner, middle, and outer oxide layer. The formation of SiO₂ layer in the Nb-23Ti-14Si-based alloys' outer oxide layer when Zr and Cr alloying, respectively. Furthermore, following oxidation at 1250 °C for 20 h, and the weight gain per unit area is around 32.52 mg/cm², and the creation of CrNbO₄ layer when Cr content is up to 10 at.%.