The effects of Cr and Al concentrations on the oxidation behavior of oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic alloys

•The oxide dispersion strengthened alloys show enhanced oxidation resistance.•Al plays the dominant role in improving the oxidation resistance.•Cr and Y are of importance in forming the stable Al2O3 scale.•The respective concentrations of Al and Cr should be larger than 2 and 14 wt.%.

The oxidation of six oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic alloys was investigated at 1050 °C in air up to 200 h. Al plays the dominant role in improving the oxidation resistance of the ODS alloys. Cr and Y are of importance in forming the stable Al2O3 scale. To produce the dense alumina layer with enhanced adherence to the metal substrate, the concentrations of Al and Cr should be larger than 2 and 14 wt.%, respectively.