Ternary interdiffusion in L1₂-Ni₃Al with Ir alloying addition

Average ternary interdiffusion coefficients in Ni₃Al with Ir additions have been determined using solid-to-solid diffusion couples annealed at 1200°C for 5 hours. Disc shaped alloy specimens were prepared by the vacuum arc melting at compositions of Ni-24Al, Ni-25Al, Ni-26Al, Ni-23.5Al-1Ir, Ni-24.5Al-1Ir, Ni-23Al-2Ir, Ni-23Al-2Ir, Ni-24Al-2Ir, Ni-23Al-3Ir (at.%). Surfaces of alloys were polished down to 1200 grit and diffusion couples were assembled in Si₃N₄ jig for initial bonding heat treatment at 1200°C for 0.5 hours. Additional diffusion anneal was carried out at 1200°C for 4.5 hours outside of Si₃N₄ jig so that diffusion couples can be water quenched. Concentration profiles of individual components were measured by electron probe microanalysis using pure standard of Ni, Al and Ir. Interdiffusion flux of individual component was determined directly from the experimental concentration profiles, and the moments of interdiffusion flux were examined to calculate the average ternary interdiffusion coefficients, D̃̄_ij^k either with Al or Ni as dependent component. Calculated interdiffusion coefficients suggest that Ir-alloyed Al₂O₃-forming oxidation resistant coatings would be beneficial to reduce the interdiffusion flux of Ni from superalloy substrates to the coating, and reduce the interdiffusion flux of Al from the coating to the superalloy substrate.