Microstructural investigation of the breakdown of the protective oxide scale on a 304 steel in the presence of oxygen and water vapour at 600 °C

This article focuses on the detailed microstructural investigation of the oxide scale formed on a 304 steel in the presence of oxygen and water vapour (40%) at 600 °C. The work has been carried out using a combination of microanalytical techniques including FIB, TEM, EDX and electron diffraction. The local breakdown of the initially protective oxide scale and the growth of island/crater oxide morphology are described. Special consideration is given to the influence of the microstructure of the steel and the oxide scale on the breakdown behaviour.