High temperature oxidation behavior of ferritic stainless steel containing W and Ce

The oxidation behavior of a ferritic stainless steel alloyed with elements, W and Ce, was studied at 950―1100 °C for up to 100 h. The oxide film was compact and uniform on the addition of Ce, and the number of defects at the oxide/metal interface was significantly decreased such that it exhibited good adhesion. The addition of Ce or combination of Ce and W reduced the number of dissolved Laves phase (Fe,Cr,Si)2(Nb,Mo) at 1000―1050 °C, which precipitated within the grains or at the grain boundaries. The inward growth of oxide film was effectively hindered by Laves phase.