Influence of As2O3 added to PbO-CaO-SiO2 slag on the degradation mechanisms of stainless steel

► Degradation of stainless steel in As containing lead slag at 1200 °C. ► Degradation mechanisms are studied with SEM. ► As causes liquid metal infiltration, alloying and intergranular penetration. ► Degradation increases with PbO/SiO2 ratio of the slag and Ni content of the steels. ► Experimental data are verified through phase diagram analysis.