Microstructure and Chemical Composition of Fe-Cr Alloy Tempered in High Temperature and Atmosphere Containing Ar-SO2

The paper presents the microstructure, chemical and phase composition of thin scale, obtained as a result of high-temperature corrosion of X20Cr13 stainless steel. Samples were exposed to gas atmosphere of the following composition: 0.25 vol.% of SO₂ and 99.75 vol.% of Ar at 600 °C for 5 h. As a consequence, thin compact scale was formed on steel surface. This scale consisted of three different zones. An amorphous zone was formed close to steel surface. Then, nanocrystalline zone could be observed. Finally, larger grains were formed during the corrosion process. The analysis of the chemical composition revealed higher concentration of chromium near steel surface. In contrast, to chromium, the content of iron, increased near the scale surface. It was found out that the (Cr, Mn, Fe)₅O₁₂ phase appeared in the thin scale.