Oxidation resistance of eight heat-resistant alloys at 870°, 980°, 1095°, and 1150°C

Oxidation testing of heat-resistant alloys is described. The testing procedure utilized weight-gain measurements using one specimen, which was withdrawn and weighed at intervals of 1 week, for 10–18 weeks. The specimen was placed in a porcelain cup during exposure and covered upon cooling to retain spalled oxide. Weight gain was used to determine the kinetics of oxidation and was extrapolated to 3000 hr. The specimen was withdrawn at the end of the exposure, weighed, cathodically descaled, and reweighed. The ratio of oxygen ions to metal ions was determined for each alloy and test temperature. This ratio approaches the stoichemetric ratio for Fe₃O₄ or Cr₂O₃. The ratio for each test is used to convert weight gain to weight loss. The amount of adherent oxide was determined as well as the total amount of oxide, leading to an expression for oxide adherency. The oxidation resistance of Fe-Cr-Ni alloys increased with increasing Cr and Ni, with Cr being the most critical element. Additions of Si, Al, or Ce were shown to extend the usefulness of Fe-Cr-Ni alloys.