Effect of pre-deformation on the oxidation resistance of a high Si ferritic/martensitic steel in oxygen-saturated stagnant lead-bismuth eutectic at 550 °C

The oxidation resistance of a high Si ferritic/martensitic steel with and without pre-deformation in oxygen-saturated stagnant lead-bismuth eutectic at 550 °C has been investigated. It is found that pre-deformation changes the morphology of the oxide scale locally. In some positions, the internal oxidation zone beneath the inner oxide layer disappears and/or the thickness of the inner oxide layer decreases. These changes are related to the formation of an enhanced Cr-rich belt locally in the inner oxide layer. Additionally, the local enhanced Cr-rich belt induces many voids at the inner/outer oxide layer interface, which deteriorates the oxidation resistance of the material.