Kinetics of Selective Oxidation of Chromium Steels in Oxygen-Containing Lead

Within the framework of the Wagner model, we determine the thickness of oxide layers formed on chromium steel in lead melts with low concentrations of oxygen. The diffusion processes running in the coexisting phases are taken into account. It is shown that, in the quasiequilibrium stage of growth, the thickness of the oxide layer in a melt changes not so rapidly as in the case of oxidation in a gaseous atmosphere due to the dissolution of chromium in lead. The time dependence of the diffusion coefficient is analyzed. It is demonstrated that the process of growth of the oxide layer is accelerated due to the intensification of accumulation of defects in this layer.