A general analysis of the characteristics of the oxidation of alloys containing carbon or carbides is given. Evolution of gaseous and may rupture oxide films which, in the absence of carbon, are highly protective. On the other hand, if the base metal has a high affinity for oxygen, carbon may be retained in the alloy, or carbon may diffuse across the oxide layer. Experimental data are reported for the systems Ni—C, W—C, Mn—C, and Ti—C.