High Temperature Degradation of Nickel Based Alloys A CONSIDERATION OF THE ROLE OF PLATINUM

The addition of platinum to nickel-based alloys can have a profound eflect on their oxidation and hot corrosion resistance. lmprovements in gas turbine blade performance in aggressive environments are linked with the protective nature of surface oxides and coatings. However the precise role of platinum in promoting and maintaining this protection is still under active investigation and the results of several recent studies are reviewed here. Blades within the turbine section of advanced gas turbine engines can operate at temperatures ranging from 650 to 950°C, under highly stress-ed conditions, and in gas environments which are generally extremely oxidising and which in many cases contain corrosive fuel residues and ingested salts. There is, therefore, a continuing need for both new structural materials and ne