Effect of native oxide film on interaction between stainless steels and liquid Sn

AbstractThe effect of native oxide films on the reaction of liquid Sn with stainless steels has been investigated by analysing the growth of intermetallic layers. The diversity of the oxide layers has been employed by exposure of various stainless steels [martensite stainless steel (MSS), austenite stainless steel (ASS) and duplex stainless steel (DSS)] in air for different times. Liquid tin was prone to metallurgically interact with MSS by formation of interfacial (Fe, Cr)Sn2 intermetallics. The native oxide film on MSS decreased (Fe, Cr)Sn2 layer thickness growth but cannot prevent the intermetallic formation. The reaction of Sn with ASS was hindered by the native oxide layer, and the thickness and coverage ratio of the (Fe, Cr)Sn2 intermetallics decreased with the increasing exposure time in air. The oxide film grown on DSS was stable enough to prevent the formation of (Fe, Cr)Sn2 and changed the tin from metallurgical interaction to physical attachment.