Abstract: Interference layer metallography was used to identify the phases present in the aluminide coating on superalloy IN738LC. They are: two intermetallic aluminides NiAl and Ni_3Al, y-solid solution and a Cr-rich solid solution, two sulphides M_(23)C_6 and MC, and two sulphides (Al,Cr)_3S_4 and (Cr,Ti)_3S_4. ZnS and ZnSe are proposed to be vapor deposited onto the surface of the specimen to get good colour contrast and good light-dark contrast. The refractive index and absorption coefficient of all these phases have been detemined.

Key words: coating, interference layer metallography, aluminizing, optical constants