Influence of H2O ( g ) on the Oxide Microstructure of the Stainless Steel 353MA at 900 ° C in Oxygen

This work investigates the impact of water vapor on the corrosion behavior of the austenitic Si-containing FeCrNi steel 353MA at 900°C through a detailed microstructural characterization of the oxide scales formed after 168 h in O2 and in O2 with 40% H2 O. The oxidized samples were investigated by focused ion beam and transmission electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The microstructural investigation showed that the oxide scales were affected by the presence of water vapor. However, there was no significant difference in scale thickness. In both atmospheres a continuous chromia [Cr-rich (Fe,Cr)2 O3] layer was present beneath the spinel oxides. The influence of water vapor on scale composition is attributed to chromia evaporation by the formation of Cr O2 (OH)2 (g). The ability of the alloy to maintain a continuous chromia layer in spite of chromia evaporation and to avoid breakaway oxidation is attributed to several factors. First, the supply of chromium to the scale by diffusion in the alloy must be rapid. Second, the presence of spinel oxides at the oxide/gas interface may decrease chromia evaporation. Third, the high CrFe ratio in the alloy is suggested to make it difficult to convert the protective chromia to poorly protective hematite. © 2007 The Electrochemical Society.