High-temperature KCl-induced corrosion of high Cr and Ni alloys investigated by in-situ diffraction

Abstract

High-temperature KCl-induced corrosion in laboratory air was observed in situ utilizing X-ray diffraction. High Cr-containing model alloys (Fe-13Cr, Fe-18Cr-12Ni, and Fe-25Cr-20Ni) were coated with KCl and exposed to dry air at 560°C. KCl-free alloys were studied in the equivalent atmosphere as a reference. After exposure to KCl-free environments, all alloys showed the formation of very thin oxide layers, indicating good corrosion resistance. In contrast, KCl-bearing alloys showed distinct damage after exposure.