Method of heat treating NICRALY alloys for use as ceramic kiln and furnace hardware

摘要

This invention relates to components of ceramic kiln and furnace hardware made of NICRALY alloys. Disclosed is a method of heat treating NICRALY alloys to obtain a uniform film of desired alumina (Al2O3) on the surface of the alloys. The gist of the invention resides in the control of the critical relationship between the temperature and the partial pressure of oxygen in the oxygen potential controlled atmosphere during the heat treatment. Optimum results are obtained when the temperature is about 2100 DEG F. and the dew point is about -30 DEG F. in hydrogen for about one hour.