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Effects of surface poisons on the oxidation of binary alloys

Journal Article · · SIAM J. Appl. Math.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1137/0145049· OSTI ID:5634499

A system of reaction-diffusion equations describing the oxidation of binary alloys in environments containing small amounts of surface poisons is analyzed. These poisons reduce the oxygen flux into the alloy, which causes the alloy to oxidize in two stages.During the initial stage, the oxidation reaction occurs in a stationary boundary layer at the alloy surface. Consequently, a thin zone containing a very high concentration of the metal oxide is created at the alloy surface. During the second stage, the oxidation reaction occurs in a moving boundary layer. This leads to a Stefan problem, which is analyzed by using asymptotic and numerical techniques. By comparing the solutions to those of alloys in unpoisoned environments, it is concluded that surface poisons can lead to the formation of protective external oxide scales in alloys which would not normally form such scales. 11 references.

Research Organization:
Exxon Research and Engineering Co., Annandale, NJ; Olin Metals Research Labs., New Haven, CT
OSTI ID:
5634499
Journal Information:
SIAM J. Appl. Math.; (United States), Journal Name: SIAM J. Appl. Math.; (United States) Vol. 45; ISSN SMJMA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English