High temperature oxidation of iron-manganese-aluminum based alloys

Abstract

The isothermal oxidation resistance of high purity iron-manganese-aluminum alloys containing from 0 to 40% manganese and from 0 to 15% aluminum was investigated at 600, 800, and 1000°C in pure oxygen at a pressure of 200 torr for periods up to 100 hr. They were subsequently examined using SEM and metallographic techniques, and an oxide map showing the alloy structure and general oxidation behavior at 800°C was produced. Scales formed on alloys which contain insufficient aluminum to form protective alumina have structures which depend largely upon the concentration of manganese in the alloy. Alloys which contain more than 7.5% manganese form manganese rich scales, whereas alloys which contain lower levels of manganese form scales that are composed almost entirely of the oxides of iron. Small manganese oxide nodules grow through the alumina scales which form on alloys containing in excess of 9% aluminum. The most oxidation resistant alloys, having compositions within the range Fe-(5–10)%Mn-(6–10)% Al, develop continuous protective alumina scales and are totally ferritic. Austenite is detrimental to the oxidation resistance of duplex alloys as it promotes the breakdown of preexisting alumina scales and the growth of bulky manganese rich oxides. Small additions of chromium are beneficial and reduce the concentration of aluminum required to form protective alumina scales.