High-temperature oxidation of the dissimilar weld between AISI 304L and Fe-15.6Cr-8.5Mn using Ar and Ar-4%N₂ shielding gas

The dissimilar welds between AISI 304L and Fe-15.6Cr-8.5Mn were investigated on oxidation at 700°C with the effects of dissolved nitrogen in the welds. This paper aims to clarify the oxidation behaviors to expand the range of application for Fe-Cr-Mn stainless steel.

Dissimilar welds between AISI 304L and Fe-15.6Cr-8.5Mn were fabricated using gas tungsten arc welding to investigate the oxidation behavior of the welds at 700°C. Pure Ar and Ar-4%N₂ shielding gases were used to evaluate the effects of nitrogen gas. The welds were introduced to the cyclic oxidation test. In each cycle, the furnace was heated up to 700°C, and the temperature was kept at 700°C for 8 h, then the mass gain because of oxidation was examined. The scales after oxidation test were investigated by using scanning electron microscopy with EDX and X-ray diffraction analysis.

Addition of 4 per cent nitrogen to Ar shielding gas reduced delta-ferrite content in the weld. Ar-4%N₂ shielding gas resulted in dissolved nitrogen which helped increase the diffusivities of chromium or oxygen vacancies in the oxide to facilitate the chromia formation at the inner part near the steel substrate. This protective layer can help reduce the Fe outward diffusion, thus reducing mass gain because of iron oxide formation.

The oxidation behavior of dissimilar welds between AISI 304L and Fe-15.6Cr-8.5Mn were investigated at 700°C. The evaluation is beneficial for expanding the range of application of Fe-Cr-Mn stainless steel at high temperature.