High temperature oxidation of AISI 439 ferritic stainless steel in synthetic air atmosphere

Stainless steels may be used and exposed to aggressive gases at high temperatures. The oxidation behavior of AISI 439 ferritic stainless steel, was investigated by oxidation treatment at 850 ºC and 950 ºC, for 50h in Synthetic Air with 20% O2 atmosphere in a tubular oven and in a thermobalance. The oxidation kinetics of films are determined by measuring the mass versus oxidation time. The microstructure and chemical composition of the oxides were determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Chemical analysis by EDS showed that films formed on AISI 439 stainless steel exhibited Cr as the principal element in the oxide film, in proportions to form the chromium oxide (Cr2O3) and the following elements: Mn, Fe, Ti and Si. Based on the oxidation kinetics, it was observed that steel oxidation follows the parabolic behaviour with increase in temperature and it produced the highest oxidation rate at 950 ºC and the lowest rate at 850 ºC