Cyclic Oxidation Behavior of 310S Austenitic Stainless Steel at High Temperatures

Systematic study were undertaken to understand the high temperature oxidation behavior of AISI 310S Stainless steel. The tests were conducted at two temperatures of 930 degree Celsius and 960 degree Celsius up to 135 hours. A comparative study of weight gains for these two different temperatures was observed. The parabolic curve was found. From the nature of the curve (parabolic and other forms), one can able to under stand the nature of the oxide film formed on the substrate surface. A detailed investigation of microstructure revealed that, the oxide film formed on the surface of the metal in the early hours undergoes spalling at 100 hours of cyclic oxidation. XRD studies of 135 hours cyclic oxidized substrate revealed the formation of chromium oxide layer but the layer formed is not completely stable over the entire surface. SEM investigation of oxidized sample confirmed the presence of cracks and spalling of oxide particles from the surface.