Effect of TiN inclusions on oxidation behavior of austenitic stainless steels

Abstract

The effects of TiN inclusions on the oxidation behavior of modified stainless steels have been investigated systematically in this study. It was found that the oxidation rate of steel with TiN stringers is almost seven times faster than the clean one during the homogenized treatment. In the oxidation layers, the TiN stringers induce the spall fracture and facilitate the air permeation. At the oxidation interface, the TiN inclusions act as the nucleation sites for the oxides and promote the internal oxidation. The air permeation and internal oxidation causes the severe oxidation of modified austenitic stainless steels.