Investigation into the high temperature oxidation of Cu-bearing austenitic stainless steel using simultaneous electron backscatter diffraction-energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis

The oxide scales of high-alloyed steel are composed of complex phases that are difficult to differentiate with conventional analysis techniques. Here, we used simultaneous electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to analyze the complex oxide layers formed on a Cu-bearing austenitic stainless steel. Multi-layered structures of external hematite, external magnetite, internal chromite, internal chromium oxide, and austenite matrix were clearly identified using the simultaneous EBSD-EDS analysis technique. The addition of Cu into the austenitic stainless steel induced spinel structured oxide formation at the top surface of the external oxide.