Some of the i~portant principles of alloy oxidation are discussed, with emphasis on the formatIOn of protective Cr 2 0 J , AI 2 0 J , and Si0 2 scales on iron and nickel base alloys. The competition between internal and external oxidation is consid~red and it is sho~n how establishment of the protective layer is influenced by va~lOus. p'ar~meters, Including alloy interdiffusion coefficient, oxygen solubility and~iffUSlVltym the alloy, and the relative growth rates of the various oxides. The lmportance of the t~ansient stage of oxidation is emphasised, with particular reference to the populatwn densities of the initial nuclei of the protective oxide and~herates of gr~wth~nd c:oa~escence of these particles to develop the healing barr~erlay'er. ConslderatlOn lS glven to the effectiveness of the protective scales iñ ervlce, wah respect to transport processes and mechanical integrity. The mfluence of the minor alloying elements, manganese, titanium, aluminium, silicon molybdenum, and niobium, on oxidation of Cr 2 0 J forming alloys is discussed. ' MST/1017