A combined study of the oxidation mechanism and resistance of AISI D6 steel exposed at high temperature environments

► In this work the oxidation mechanism in D6 steel through combined study of reaction kinetics and the identification of the oxidation products formed during the oxidation at high temperature is investigated. ► The results offer important information for the determination of the temperature range in which it can work safely is made and for service life. ► The structure of the particular steel was found to contain big size chrome carbides and smaller tungsten carbides which were dispersed in the metal matrix of the material. ► D6 steel was found to be resistant up to 830 °C. ► At higher temperatures several structural changes happen, such as decarburization or intense oxidation of the preexisting carbides.