Corrosion protection of low-nickel austenitic stainless steel by yttrium and erbium-ion implantation against isothermal oxidation

The beneficial effect of ion-implanted yttrium and erbium on the oxidation behavior of low-nickel austenitic stainless steel (LNiSS) at 973 K has been investigated up to 500hr of oxidation test in air. The resulting oxide sca les were examined by a wide range of experimental techniques, including SEM /EDS, XRD, and EPMA. The results indicate that both reactive elements have similar effects, The most significant effects have been to significantly re duce the corrosion rate and to improve the oxide scale adhesion. Tt is conc luded that ion implantation is a powerful tool as surface-modification proc ess introducing reactive elements in the top surface.