The Influence of Cr2O3 Scale Thickness on the Electrical Resistance of Coated AISI 430 Used for SOFCs

In order to increase the efficiency and working life of mettalic interconnects used in solid oxide fuel cells, protective coatings with high electrical conductivity are used. In this study, AISI 430 ferritic stainless steel was coated in a cobalt-base pack mixture by pack cementation. The effect of oxide thickness on the area specific resistance (ASR) was investigated by applying isothermal oxidation at 800 °C and non-isothermal oxidation at a temperature range of 400 – 900 ºC. Results showed that the formation of MnCo2O4 and CoCr2O4 Spinels during oxidation improved electrical conductivity. The increase of isothermal oxidation time and temperature increases the oxide thickness, and consequently the ASR increased.