Advancements in High Temperature Oxidation of Metals and Alloys

High-temperature oxidation is an important process that has a large effect on the performance, durability, and reliability of metals and alloys used in advanced engineering applications, like nuclear reactors, power generation systems, aerospace structures, and gas turbines. When metals are heated up, they react more quickly with oxygen and other oxidizing agents. This causes oxide scales to form, which can either protect the metal or speed up its breakdown. The ability of a material to resist oxidation depends on factors like its thermodynamic stability, diffusivity, its microstructural features, and the presence of certain alloying elements. This chapter discusses the basic processes of high-temperature oxidation, how protective oxide films form and work, and general ways to make things more resistant to oxidation. To make materials that can work reliably in harsh, high-temperature environments, you need to have a clear understanding of these ideas.