Corrosion of iron in sulfur dioxide at 0.1 MPa

The reaction of iron with sulfur dioxide at 0.1 MPa and 1073 K was studied. The composition and morphology of the scales, transport phenomena occurring in the growing scales, and kinetics of the process were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy and various techniques of X-ray analysis were used. The transport phenomena were studied by marker and by radiotracer techniques. The scales were composed of sulfide and oxides and grew by the outward diffusion of metal. It was concluded that the process initially took place through the reaction of iron with sulfur dioxide molecules. During the next stage of the process the reaction with sulfur dioxide molecules as well as with oxygen molecules is possible.