Determination of the physico-mechanical properties of the protective oxide scale by nano-indentation

Abstract

Nano-indentation test was used to determine the hardness and the Young’s modulus of the thermally grown oxide formed during the high temperature (1100°C) isothermal oxidation of single crystal Ni-based superalloy. Multiple nano-indentation tests at different loads were performed on the polished cross-section and on the surface of oxide scale. The measured values of Young's modulus were E IT = 320 GPa, and E IT = 256 GPa using the cross-section indentation and the indentation normal to the surface of oxide scale correspondently. The effect of applied load on the measured values was observed. The measured values of Young's modulus were used to determine the values of the work of adhesion of metal/oxide interface.