This is a branch to watch in future years if possible. I am wondering whether the crusts are more concentrated around the edge of the blackening - which itself is perhaps development of the sclerotisation of previous fungal growth.
This crust bleeds reddish when cut, scraped or rubbed hard. On a broad-leafed tree this should indicate either the Oak Bleeding Crust, Stereum gausapatum or the Broadleaf Bleeding Crust, Stereum rugosum. The first may have a tendency to perenniality and consequent layering, while the latter may have a tendency towards guttation, and is reputed (?) to be darker in colour. It's all tricky!
towards end of branch...
Rubbed on left, scraped on right:
and closer:
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