Abstract:
The oxidation behavior of kovar alloy (Fe-29Ni-17Co) was studied in N
2/H
2O atmosphere under simulated field condition by weighing method. The weight gain curves of kovar alloy oxidized at 1000℃ in N
2 with different dew points were tested, and the results show that these oxidation kinetics obey parabolic rule. The composition and pattern of the oxides were analyzed by XRD and SEM. Thermodynamical calculations reveal that if kovar alloy is oxidized in N
2/H
2O atmosphere under simulated field condition, external air will infiltrate into the furnace, which increases the partial pressure of oxygen, and the presence of α-Fe
2O
3 in oxides surface is unavoidable. In the condition of a higher dew point and a longer oxidation time, the quantity of α-Fe
2O
3 formed will exceed that of Fe
3O
4.