In-situ high temperature X-ray diffraction characterization of yttrium implanted extra low carbon steel and pure iron

Yttrium implanted and unimplanted extra low carbon steel and pure electroly tic iron samples were investigated at high temperature (T=700 degrees C) un der oxygen partial pressure P-O2 = 0.04 Pa to observe their oxidation resis tances under these experimental conditions. High temperature oxidation test s were carried out by thermogravimetry and by in-situ high temperature X-ra y diffraction. The aim of this paper is to show the initial nucleation stag e of the main compounds induced by oxidation at high temperature according to the initial sample treatment (yttrium implanted or unimplanted). The res ults obtained by in-situ high temperature X-ray diffraction will be compare d to those by thermogravimetry to show the existing correlation between wei ght gain curves and structural studies. Our results allow to understand the improved corrosion resistances of yttrium implanted extra low carbon steel and pure iron at high temperature. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All righ ts reserved.