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LABORATORIJ ZA ANALIZO POVRŠIN IN TANKIH PLASTI (LAPTP) , IJS , Ljubljana , Slovenia
Jožef Stefan Institute, IJS , Ljubljana , Slovenia
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ljubljana , Ljubljana , Slovenia
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana , Ljubljana , Slovenia
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering , University of Ljubljana , Ljubljana , Slovenia
FeCrAl alloys are used in a wide range of resistance and high-temperature applications such as wire
heaters, furnace structure parts, etc. Their oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures relies on the
formation of a thin and a continuous Al2O3 layer on the alloy surface. Growth and thickness of the
protective Al2O3 layer depends on Al content in the alloy, especially in the surface layer, where must
exceed a critical concentration level. However, such protection is limited when the part is frequently
exposed to thermal shocks, due to cracking of the protective layer and further oxidation of the Al
depleted surface of the alloy. One of possible ways to improve high temperature oxidation resistance
of FeCrAl alloy is to increase the Al concentration in the surface layer by physical vapour deposition
(PVD) followed by proper heat treatment to produce the Al diffusion layer. Changes in thin films were
studied by electron microscopy (SEM) and in-situ electrical resistivity measurement during heating at
5°C/min in argon gas at atmospheric pressure. After thermal treatment, oxidation tests at 1200 °C for
24h in air were conducted.
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