Role of niobium in the high-temperature oxidation of titanium

Journal Article · 14 October 2023 · Corrosion Science

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.corsci.2023.111603 · OSTI ID:2246703

Valenza, Thomas C. ^[1]; Weber, Peter K. ^[2]; Marquis, Emmanuelle A. ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
2. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

Here, we compared the oxidation of Ti and Ti-2 at.% Nb at 800°C in Ar-20% O₂ and in sequential ¹⁶O₂-¹⁸O₂ atmospheres to clarify the role of niobium in the high-temperature oxidation of titanium. Niobium had no effect on the amount of oxygen dissolved in the metal or on oxygen diffusion in the metal. Instead, niobium enhanced oxidation resistance by segregating to TiO₂ grain boundaries, where it likely slowed outward Ti diffusion. These findings spotlight doping of TiO₂ grain boundaries as a strategy for improving the oxidation resistance of Ti alloys and, more generally, TiO₂-forming alloys.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program; National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC52-07NA27344; CMMI-1729166; DMR-1436154; 20-SI-004
• OSTI ID: 2246703
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 2204546
• Report Number(s): LLNL-JRNL-855227; 1082173
• Journal Information: Corrosion Science, Vol. 225; ISSN 0010-938X
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English