Thermodynamics of solute capture during the oxidation of multicomponent metals

Q. C. Sherman, P. W. Voorhees, Laurence Marks*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the classical theories of oxidation of metals it is assumed that the interface between the oxide and metal is in thermodynamic equilibrium. However, in many cases this is not true, the oxide grows too fast or the fluxes through the interface are too large for local interfacial equilibrium to exist, leading to nonequilibrium solute capture. We present a thermodynamic analysis using both an available database as well as density functional theory calculations of the thermodynamic conditions for this during the oxidation of Ni–Cr alloys. The analysis indicates that nickel atoms can be captured in the rocksalt or corundum crystallographies for a very wide range of compositions, consistent with recent experimental observations. The density functional theory analysis also provides information about the electronic structure of these oxides which is important to understand their properties, and also indicates that interpretation of spectroscopic data is not simple as mixed valence states as well as Cr4+ can occur under oxidizing conditions. We point out that across at least the first transition row of elements the thermodynamic conditions for nonequilibrium solute capture can easily be met.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)584-594
Number of pages11
JournalActa Materialia
Volume181
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2019

Funding

This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research MURI Grant No. N00014-16-1-2280 . We are grateful to J. H. Perepezko for many helpful insights during the preparation of this manuscript. This work was supported by the Office of Naval Research MURI Grant No. N00014-16-1-2280. We are grateful to J. H. Perepezko for many helpful insights during the preparation of this manuscript.

Keywords

  • Corrosion
  • Density functional theory
  • Oxidation
  • Phase transformations
  • Thermodynamic modeling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Metals and Alloys

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