Effect of yttrium and erbium ion implantation on the oxidation behaviour of the AISI 304 austenitic steel

The beneficial effect of the addition of yttrium and erbium by ion implantation on the oxidation behaviour of AISI 304 stainless steel at 1173 K has been investigated. Isothermal oxidation tests have been conducted for up to 500 h. The effect of ‘rare earth elements’ (REE) have been studied previously in order to enhance the oxidation behaviour of different alloys. The results show that yttrium and erbium have similar effects, reducing the rate of continuing scale growth and inhibiting scale failure processes. It is concluded in this study, that both reactive elements inhibit the growth of the poorly protective and adherent oxides rich in iron and chromium, which help the spalled behaviour, together with a smaller oxide grain size.