The present paper discussed some fundamental aspects on composite oxide scales and coatings for protection of alloys from high temperature oxidation, the related thermodynamic conditions, special mechanical characteristics and a sealing mechanism. It was proposed that the oxide scales and coatings with a composite structure should possess superior mechanical properties than that with a single phase oxide. It also showed that the Al2O3 scales or coatings doped with Y2O3 and ZrO2 (or YSZ)-Al2O3 composite coatings possessed superior properties at high temperatures. In such composite oxide scales and coatings, the fracture resistance of the scales was increased by the toughening effect, the thermal stress was decreased owing to the increase of thermal-expansion coefficients, and Al2O3 phase could seal the alloy substrate well. In addition, the kinetic equation of thermal growth oxide on alloy covered with composite oxide coatings was derived. The present paper discussed some fundamental aspects on composite oxide scales and coatings for protection of alloys from high temperature oxidation, the related thermodynamic conditions, special mechanical characteristics and a sealing mechanism. It was proposed that the oxide scales and coatings with a composite structure should possess superior mechanical properties than that with a single phase oxide. It also showed that the Al2O3 scales or coatings doped with Y2O3 and ZrO2 (or YSZ) -Al2O3 composite coatings possessed superior properties at high temperatures. In such composite oxide scales and coatings, the fracture resistance of the scales was increased by the toughening effect, the thermal stress was decreased due to the increase of thermal-expansion coefficients, and an Al2O3 phase could seal the alloy substrate well. In addition, the kinetic equation of thermal growth oxide on alloy covered with composite oxide coatings was derived.