February 2017 to May 2017

This work focuses on the oxidation resistance of a new class of composites, chromium carbide coated silicon carbide-nanostructured ferritic alloy (Cr 3 C 2@ SiC-NFA), in a water vapor containing atmosphere at 500–1000° C. Oxidation temperature effects on surface morphologies, scale characteristics, and cross-sectional microstructures are investigated and analyzed. The Cr 3 C 2@ SiC content in the composites is strongly associated with the oxidation resistance by forming a dense Cr-and Si-rich inner-layer, which can be explained based on the Thermo-Calc simulation. The fundamental understandings offer important guidance for the applications of this class of composites in nuclear reactors and high temperature moist environments.