Hot corrosion Type II of FeCr‐based model alloys for boiler and heat exchanger applications

Materials and Corrosion 70 (2019), 1371-1384, DOI: 10.1002/maco.201810640

The hot corrosion Type II of the alloys FeCr20, FeCr20Ni10, FeCr20Ni20, and FeCr20Co10 is investigated at 700°C in air + 0.5% SO₂ with deposits consisting of Na₂SO₄ and a eutectic mixture of Na₂SO₄ and MgSO₄ for 24, 100, and 300 h. The alloying elements nickel and cobalt have a positive influence when tests are conducted using a MgSO₄‐Na₂SO₄ deposit. In this case, they reduce the metal loss and increase the time to the propagation stage. In contrast, when the alloys are exposed with a Na₂SO₄ deposit, these alloying elements increase the metal loss and allow for the transition to the propagation stage because they can form molten phases with the Na₂SO₄. During the incubation stage an oxide scale forms on the FeCr20 alloy, which is thicker than the one formed during exposure without a deposit, and iron oxides are observed, which precipitate in the deposit. The propagation stage occurs by a dissolution and precipitation mechanism forming localized pitting attack. Iron is the main species that dissolves and precipitates, while chromium remains mainly as an oxide beneath the initial surface. The additional elements are found in the pit and in the salt deposit.