Theoretical study of steam grown oxides as a function of temperature, pressure and p(O₂)

Abstract

Depending on their history and composition stainless and 9/12 chrome steels can develop two types of protective oxide scale, comprising either a thin layer of chromium oxide or a more complex layer with the spinel structure. Both these types of scale are found in environments with low oxygen partial pressures such as in heat exchangers for power generation plant. This paper is concerned with the identification of the reason for these variations and to describe how the methods of equilibrium thermochemistry can be applied to systems so very far from equilibrium.

Keywords:

• steam grown oxides
• chemical equilibria