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Title: Initial stages of high-temperature corrosion of Fe-Cr-Ni and Cr-Ni alloys in a carburizing atmosphere of low oxygen partial pressure

Journal Article · · Oxid. Met.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00659597· OSTI ID:5701191

The processes of nucleation and growth of metal carbides on the surfaces of Fe-Cr-Ni (25 Cr/20 Ni steel and 25 Cr/33 Ni steel) and Cr-Ni (50/50) alloys in presence of H2/CH4 mixture at 1098 K were investigated. All alloys were studied with surfaces in both cold-worked (CW) and electropolished (EP) conditions. The XPS spectra and the SEM and TEM micrographs revealed formation of transient alpha-Cr2O3 layers on all alloy surfaces during the heat-up period. On the CW surfaces chromium oxide formed homogeneous, compact, fine grained layers whereas on the EP surfaces, the oxide layers developed nonuniformly, with grain and phase boundaries and scratches. Following an incubation period, M7C3 carbides were detected on the surfaces; they grew by replacing the Cr2O3 and through diffusion of metal from the alloy. The mode of nucleation of the M7C3 carbides and their rate of growth depend on the character of the alpha-Cr2O3 transient layers. After removal of Cr2O3 by replacement with M7C3, carbon ingresses into the alloy metal substrate, where M23C6 forms internally. These results are in line with the thermodynamic stability predictions. 29 references.

Research Organization:
CEC, Petten, Netherlands; Trinity College, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
OSTI ID:
5701191
Journal Information:
Oxid. Met.; (United States), Vol. 24
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English