OXIDATION OF FE-C ALLOYS AT 700-DEGREES-C

The oxidation of Fe-C alloys containing 0.5 and 1.0% C was studied in 1 atm O2 at 700° C. The oxidation rate is considerably slower than for pure Fe. The oxide scale formed is detached, multilayered, and overoxidized, containing little or no FeO. A thin film of graphite was identified at the metal-oxide interface by electron diffraction. It is proposed that the slow oxidation and abnormal scale are caused by a residue of graphite left at the metal surface from the oxidation of Fe3C. This inhibition of the oxidation of Fe by carbon at 700°C is in contrast to the stimulation observed at 500°C. © 1979 Plenum Publishing Corporation.