Alumina-forming austenitic stainless steel for high durability and chromium-evaporation minimized balance of plant components in solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

The chromium evaporation and oxidation behaviors of alumina-forming austenitic stainless steels are systematically investigated at 800 °C in air +10% H2O relative to 310S for 5000 h. Cr evaporation rates of 310S are about 35 times higher than AFA alloys after 5000 h. Relatively rapid oxidation is observed on 310S after only one 500 h cycle, followed by a modest degree of mass loss and spallation, while the AFA alloys show high oxidation resistance throughout the entire test. Continuous inner alumina layer formed on AFA alloys stays compact and stable after 5000 h which greatly reduces the Cr evaporation.