The effect of K2SO4 additive in Na2SO4 deposits on low temperature hot corrosion of iron-aluminum alloys

To understand the effect of K₂SO₄ additive in an Na₂SO₄ deposit on low temperature hot corrosion, the corrosion behavior of Fe-Al alloys induced by Na₂SO₄+K₂SO₄ was compared to that by Na₂SO₄ alone, and sulfation of Fe₂O₃ in the presence of either Na₂SO₄ or Na₂SO₄+K₂SO₄ was studied. It was found that K₂SO₄ additive promoted the low temperature hot corrosion, but did not change the corrosion-mechanism. Experimental results refuted the prior suggestions that the accelerated hot corrosion resulted either from the formation of K₃Fe(SO₄)₃ or from the stimulation of sulfation of Fe₃O₃. The earlier formation of the eutectic melt caused the accelerated hot corrosion, or in other words, the K₂SO₄ additive shortened the induction stage of hot corrosion.