HIGH TEMPERATURE GASEOUS OXIDATION FOR PASSIVATION OF AUSTENITIC ALLOYS

摘要

A method for forming a chromium-rich layer on the surface of a nickel alloy workpiece containing chromium includes heating the workpiece to a stable temperature o f about 1100.degree.C, and then exposing the workpiece to a gaseous mixture containi ng water vapor and one or more non-oxidizing gases for a short period of time. The process conditions are compatible with high temperature annealing and can be performed simultaneously with, or in conjunction with, high temperature annealing.