Oxidation of Fe-8Cr-14Ni-Al-Si-Mn from 700 to 1000°C

This paper reports an investigation into reducing the Cr concentration in commercial-grade stainless steels while maintaining oxidation protection at elevated temperatures. Aluminum and Si were added as partial substitute alloy elements to enhance the reduced operation protection resulting from Cr concentration reduced by approximately 50 pct of that found in stainless steels. The goal of this study was to determine the oxidation mechanism of such an Fe, Al-Si alloy: Fe-8Cr-14Ni-1Al-3.5Si-1Mn. During the initial oxidation period the protection resulted from a thin film of Al₂O₃ over an Fe and Cr spinel. Long-term oxidation protection resulted from the gradual formation of a Cr sesquioxide (Cr₂O₂) inner oxide layer. Eventually an outer oxide layer formed that was a mixed composition spinel of Cr and Mn (MnO · Cr₂O₃). The Al₂O₃, which was part of the original protective layer flaked off early in the oxide testing, and the aluminum oxide that formed later appeared as an internal oxide precipitate.