Origins of a Low-Sulfur Superalloy Al2O3 Scale Adhesion Map

Low-sulfur single-crystal Ni-base superalloys have demonstrated excellent cyclic oxidation resistance due to improved Al2O3 scale adhesion. This derives from preventing deleterious interfacial sulfur segregation that occurs at common ppm levels of S impurity. Multiple hydrogen-annealing desulfurization treatments were employed to produce a continuum of levels demonstrating this oxidative transition, using 1 h cyclic oxidation at 1100 °C for 500 h to 1000 h. The sulfur content was determined by glow discharge mass spectrometry. The complete gravimetric database of 25 samples is revealed and correlated with sulfur content. Maximum adhesion (i.e., no weight loss) was achieved at ≤ 0.3 ppmw S, significant spallation (20–30 mg/cm2) above 2 ppmw, with transitional behavior between 0.3 and 2 ppmw S. A map suggested that adhesion was enabled when the total sulfur reservoir was less than one S atom per Ni interface atom. Equilibrium models further suggest that segregation may be minimized (~1% at 0.2 ppmw bulk), regardless of section thickness. 1st order adhesion effects have thus been demonstrated for PWA 1480 having no Y, Zr, or Hf reactive element dopants and no possibility of confounding reactive element effects. The results are compared with 2nd generation PWA 1484, Rene’N5, N6, and CMSX-4® SLS, all having Hf dopants.

CHAPTER 6 Development of SOFC Interconnect Stainless Steels

The chapter introduces components and working principle of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). It is followed by the explanation on the choices of materials focussing on ferritic stainless steels. The review is further made on the required properties of these steels, i.e. low oxidation rate, low chromium species volatilisation rate, high electrical conductivity and good scale adhesion. For the oxidation aspect, the behaviour of stainless steel interconnect in cathode, anode (hydrogen and biogas), and dual atmospheres are described. Surface modification by pre-oxidation and coatings to improve the oxide electrical conductivity and to reduce chromium species volatilisation is finally reviewed.

Research of the Impact of the Heating Rate on Adhesion of Scale Arising in the Process of Heating of the Steel Charge Before the Plastic Reworking

Before steel materials are subjected to an appropriate heat treatment, they must be preheated. During this process scale is formed, which can be a problem in the proper heat treatment of the steel charge. The preheating process of the steel charge is carried out under specific conditions – parameters. These conditions determine certain properties of scale. One of the most important issues in this context, important from the point of view of the potential removal of scale from the charge surface, is the correlation of the heating process temperature and the adherence of the scale to the steel substrate. The paper presents the results of such research and their discussion. In addition, the methodology for measuring the scale adhesion to steel substrate is presented. Mathematical relations endearing impact of heating rate on the scale adhesion have been developed.

On the hot-rolled recycled carbon steels: their oxide formation, pickling ability and scale adhesion

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the formation, pickling ability and adhesion of thermal oxide scales on the hot-rolled recycled steels produced from the medium and thin slabs. Because the scale on the steel produced from the medium slab was relatively thick of about 11 µm, it contained cracks after hot-rolling. Thus during pickling, the scale was uniformly attacked with the simultaneous dissolution of the inner scale because of the penetration of acid through cracks. However, the scale on the steel produced from the thin slab was thinner of about 6 µm and thus, nearly crack-free. The pickling solution thus attacked the scale surface uniformly. At longer pickling periods, pits were also nucleated and propagated. Concurrently, the tensile testing machine with a CCD camera has been applied to observe scale adhesion. Design/methodology/approach The formation, pickling ability and adhesion of thermal oxide scales on the hot-rolled recycled steels produced from the recycled slab, e.g. medium slab and thin slab, were investigated. The morphology and phase identification were examined by using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Furthermore, the adhesion behaviour of oxide scale was investigated by immersion test and tensile test with a CCD camera. Findings For the scale formation, it was found that the hematite and magnetite were formed on the hot-rolled recycled steels produced from the medium and thin slabs. For the immersion test, it was found that the scale on hot-rolled recycled steels produced from the medium slab was more difficult to be pickled as represented by the longer time for the complete pickling. This was consistent with the result of tensile test; the steel produced from the medium slab had better scale adhesion as represented by the higher strain initiating the first spallation of scale. Originality/value The effects of slab types and its alloying element were investigated to understand the scale adhesion behaviour. The empirical pickling mechanisms and the mechanical adhesion energy were proposed. It led to the understanding in the control of alloying element in the hot-rolled steel.