Role of molybdenum in the Na2SO4 induced corrosion of superalloys at high temperature

Sodium sulfate induced corrosion of a molybdenum containing nickel-base superalloy, Udimet 700, was studied in laboratory furnace test and in a high velocity (Mach 0.3) burner rig. Tlhe effect of SO2 content in the atmosphere on the corrosion behavior in the laboratory furnace tests was determined. catastrophic corrosion occursonly when the melt contains MoO3 in addition to Na2SO4 and Na2MoO4. The conditions under which catastrophic corrosion occurs are identified and a mechanism is described to explain the catastrophic corrosion.