A relation between metallurgical microstructure changes and oxidation resistance of 18%Cr ferritic stainless steels at the temperatures between 800 and 1050℃ has been studied. It was found that the phase structure changes during isothermal oxidation...
A relation between metallurgical microstructure changes and oxidation resistance of 18%Cr ferritic stainless steels at the temperatures between 800 and 1050℃ has been studied. It was found that the phase structure changes during isothermal oxidation above Ac₁ temperature influerced on the oxidation resistance. In case of Fe-18%Cr steel, a thin layer of austenitic phase was produced at the beneath scale/metal interface due to the depletion of Cr by forming chromia layer during oxidation. It may generate compressive stresses on the protective scale, and so micro cracks which allow abnormal oxidation by forming nodular oxides would be developed. It results in decrease in oxidation resistance. The addition of stabilizing elements such as Ti or Nb produces fully ferritic structure up to 1000℃. It results in improvement of oxidation resistance.