Mechanistic-based lifetime predictions for high-temperature alloys and coatings

Increasing efficiency is a continuing goal for all forms of power generation from conventional fossil fuels to new renewable sources. However, increasing the process temperature to increase efficiency leads to faster degradation rates and more components with corrosion-limited lifetimes. At the highest temperatures, oxidation-resistant alumina-forming alloys and coatings are needed for maximum lifetimes. However, lifetime models accurate over the extended application durations are not currently available for a wide range of candidates and conditions. Increased mechanistic understanding and relevant long-term data sets will assist in model development and validation. Current progress is outlined for applying a reservoir-type model to Fe-base alloys and coatings. However, more work is needed to understand environmental effects, such as the presence of H₂O, and to extend the current model to NiCrAl and NiCr alloys. As the critical performance factors are better understood, it will be easier to evaluate new materials in laboratory screening experiments.