The use of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) superalloys for excellent high temperature oxidation resistance has been well established. This is achieved by the formation of a dense, slowly growing and tightly adherent alumina scale on Fe-Cr-Al and Ni-Cr-Al ODS alloys. The addition of oxide dispersion strengthening confers a structural capability for operation temperatures of up to 1350°C. Traditionally these materials have been used in relatively thick sections where the core “reservoir” of aluminium is adequate to provide a continuous replenishment of the protective oxide coating.

This paper examines the use of one of these materials, PM2000, in thin section structures. In particular it addresses the problem of using thin foils in the manufacture of a typical engineering structure, seal honeycomb. Thin foils in the thickness range 90 to 150μm were tested to explore the oxidation limit under extreme temperature conditions. The results indicate that material life is determined by foil thickness and aluminium content of the alloy. Comparison is drawn with existing typical materials for these applications e.g. Haynes 214.