ABSTRACT
The oxidation behaviour of a ferritic stainless steel containing 17%Cr in dry or wet air was examined during exposures of less than one minute at 1200°C. The extent of attack was assessed by direct weight measurement complemented by nuclear reaction analysis of the oxygen uptake. The phases produced were identified by Laser Raman and Glow Discharge spectroscopy. The oxidation mechanism appeared to be a competition between chromia formation, its evaporation as CrO3 and spinel oxide formation.
