Influence of chromium diffusion and different surface finishes on the oxidation behaviour of chromium steels

Abstract

The present contribution is focused on the systematic investigation of the effects of different surface finishes (ground, polished, electropolished) on the oxidation behaviour of chromium steels. The specimens were oxidized in a H2–2.5%H₂O atmosphere at 872 K for 1 h to 100 h. Depth profiles were recorded by secondary neutral mass spectrometry (SNMS) to determine the elemental composition of the oxide scale and the diffusion profiles below the scale. The surface finish was found to influence both the thickness of the oxide scale and the depletion of the selectively oxidized elements.