Investigation into the high temperature oxidation of Cu-bearing austenitic stainless steel using simultaneous electron backscatter diffraction-energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis

Abstract

Abstract The oxide scales of high-alloyed steel are composed of complex phases that are difficult to differentiate with conventional analysis techniques. Here, we used simultaneous electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to analyze the complex oxide layers formed on a Cu-bearing austenitic stainless steel. Multi-layered structures of external hematite, external magnetite, internal chromite, internal chromium oxide, and austenite matrix were clearly identified using the simultaneous EBSD–EDS analysis technique. The addition of Cu into the austenitic stainless steel induced spinel structured oxide formation at the top surface of the external oxide.