Abstract
Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) maps acquired in the diffusion zone of aluminised Super 304H steel samples showed that a phase change and associated grain growth phenomena had occurred during high temperature aging in flowing steam environments. This phase transformation could have a significant influence on reducing the oxidation resistance and mechanical stability of the aluminised layer at high temperatures. Scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and EBSD mapping provides a valuable insight into microstructural changes occurring in coated alloy systems during high temperature aging processes.
Acknowledgements
The research reported in this paper has been carried out as part of a UK Technology Strategy Board funded project ‘Advanced surface Protection to Enable Carbon Abatement Technologies (ASPECT)’ (TP11/MFE/6/I/AA140E), with the support of E.ON Engineering, Cranfield Energy Technology Centre, RWE npower, Doosan Babcock Energy, Monitor Coatings, Sulzer Metco and Ceram Research. The Authors would like to express their gratitude to the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.