Reduction kinetics of Wüstite scale on pure iron and steel sheets in Ar and H₂ gas mixture

Reduction kinetics of Wüstite scale on pure iron and steel sheets in Ar and H₂ gas mixture

Mao, W. (TU Delft (OLD) MSE-1; Material Innovation Institute (M2i))
Sloof, W.G. (TU Delft (OLD) MSE-1)

2017

A dense and closed Wüstite scale is formed on pure iron and Mn alloyed steel after oxidation in Ar + 33 vol pct CO₂ + 17 vol pct CO gas mixture. Reducing the Wüstite scale in Ar + H₂ gas mixture forms a dense and uniform iron layer on top of the remaining Wüstite scale, which separates the unreduced scale from the gas mixture. The reduction of Wüstite is controlled by the bulk diffusion of dissolved oxygen in the formed iron layer and follows parabolic growth rate law. The reduction kinetics of Wüstite formed on pure iron and on Mn alloyed steel are the same. The parabolic rate constant of Wüstite reduction obeys an Arrhenius relation with an activation energy of 104 kJ/mol if the formed iron layer is in the ferrite phase. However, at 1223 K (950 °C) the parabolic rate constant of Wüstite reduction drops due to the phase transformation of the iron layer from ferrite to austenite. The effect of oxygen partial pressure on the parabolic rate constant of Wüstite reduction is negligible when reducing in a gas mixture with a dew point below 283 K (10 °C). During oxidation of the Mn alloyed steel, Mn is dissolved in the Wüstite scale. Subsequently, during reduction of the Wüstite layer, Mn diffuses into the unreduced Wüstite. Ultimately, an oxide-free iron layer is obtained at the surface of the Mn alloyed steel, which is beneficial for coating application.

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:44600c5a-6e57-4e6c-b319-ffd3b9d33c42

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-017-1037-2

1073-5615

Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B - Process Metallurgy and Materials Processing Science, 48 (5), 2707-2716

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2017 W. Mao, W.G. Sloof