The assessment of growth kinetics in the intermetallic layers of Al-AlxNiy-Ni laminate composites

Ni aluminides have technologically attracted much attention as oxidation protective layers on Ni-superalloys for high-temperature and harsh environments applications as well as for reinforcements in metal-matrix composites. Among the Ni aluminides, the AlNi compound exhibits the best combination of oxidation-protective characteristics and hardness; thus there is a progressive demand to produce it particularly through convenient in-situ fabrication processes. Therefore, the evaluation of growth kinetics in Al x Ni y layers is of crucial importance in determining an optimum compound formation process. To this purpose, Al-Ni intermetallic laminate composites were produced through cold roll bonding and subsequent annealing of aluminum and nickel sheets. The microstructure of the intermetallic layers was investigated in order to specify the controlling mechanisms and subsequently the growth model of the different phases. The Al 3 Ni layer was kinetically the first to appear but started to decompose at the expense of the AlNi compound when the direct source of Al disappeared for the reactive diffusion couples. The Al 3 Ni layer growth was initially controlled by bulk diffusion, but then at T≥525°C was modified as a function of competition between formation and consumption, whereas the AlNi growth was governed strongly by the interfacial reaction. The time dependence of the growth rate revealed different behaviors of linear and parabolic kinetics. The overall assessment revealed a bulk diffusion-controlled growth for all of the intermetallic layers. Arrhenius parameters could be derived for the Al 3 Ni layer, while it was impossible for the AlNi phase because the formation of this layer was caused by a mixture of diffusion mechanism.