Improved alumina scale adhesion of electron beam physical vapor deposited Dy/Hf-doped β-NiAl coatings

•Dy/Hf-doped β-NiAl coatings are produced by electron beam physical vapor deposition.•Cyclic oxidation behavior of the Dy/Hf-doped coatings is compared.•The microstructure of scales and chemistry of scale/coating interfaces are studied.•Dy and Hf may directly improve the adhesion of the scale/coating interfaces.