The reaction of iron with sulfur dioxide at 0.1 MPa and 1073 K was stu
died. The composition and morphology of the scales, transport phenomen
a occurring in the growing scales, and kinetics of the process were in
vestigated. Scanning electron microscopy and various techniques of X-r
ay analysis were used. The transport phenomena were studied by marker
and by radiotracer techniques. The scales were composed of sulfide and
oxides and grew by the outward diffusion of metal. It was concluded t
hat the process initially took place through the reaction of iron with
sulfur dioxide molecules. During the next stage of the process the re
action with sulfur dioxide molecules as well as with oxygen molecules
is possible.