High temperature behavior of the metal/oxide interface of ferritic stainless steels

► We study the metal/oxide interface of stainless steel at short oxidation durations. ► At the metal/oxide interface protrusions localized in the oxide layer are observed. ► Increasing the oxidation time, protrusions evolve as inclusions in the oxide. ► A model based on an undulated interface and on silica precipitation is proposed. ► The stress assisted diffusion of oxygen is the key point for the silica precipitation.