The Oxidation of Metal Alloy Foils in the Presence of Water Vapor

Abstract

Water vapor can be detrimental to the elevated temperature oxidation resistance of alloys that rely on the formation of a protective chromium oxide layer. The resulting degradation can be significant, particularly when such alloys are in the form of light gauge sheet and strip. Long-term test results will be presented for commercially available wrought austenitic stainless steels and nickel-base superalloys exposed at 1300°F and 1400°F in environments containing various levels of water vapor.