The resistance of eight alloys against chloridation was tested at 850 C in Ar/Cl 2 (2.5% Cl 2 ) for 15 min. Pre-oxidation treatments were performed for 1 h and 8 h at 850 C in order to produce a thin, adherent and protective oxide scale able to improve the chloridation behaviour of the tested materials. The chloridised sample morphologies were compared to the morphologies observed on the non pre-oxidised samples. The alloys containing a large amount of iron did not exhibit any chloridation resistance, even after preoxidation, and were severely damaged. The nickel based alloys gave interesting results but were also attacked by chloride, probably by the "active oxidation" mechanism. The duration of the pre-oxidation treatment plays an important role, since the 8 h pre-oxidation appears more beneficial than the 1 h pre-oxidation, to delay the chloridation, probably because of the best quality of the oxide layer grown during 8 h. For the nickel based materials, the effects of chloride appear less severe than for the iron-based alloys, but are not stopped. The "active oxidation" mechanism is proposed to be responsible for the degradation of the tested materials.