High temperature Oxidation of ODS alloy with zirconia dispersions synthesized using Arc Plasma Sintering

Microstructure formation and oxidation behaviour of the Oxide Dispersion Strengthened (ODS) steels for application as structure material in Nuclear Power Plant was investigated. A mixture composed of Fe and 12 wt. % Cr powder with addition of 0.5 and 1 wt.% ZrO2 particles was milled and isostatic pressed to form a sample coin. The coin was then consolidated in the Arc Plasma Sintering (APS) for 4 minutes. The samples were subjected to the high temperature oxidation test in the Magnetic Suspension Balance (MSB). The oxidation test was carried out at 700°C for 6 hours to evaluate the oxide growth in the early stage of it formation by extraction the mass gain curve. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) imaging and X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy (EDX) elemental mapping were performed to study the microstructure change and compositional distribution. SEM and EDX observation revealed the time dependent development of the Fe-Cr-phases during consolidation. The oxidation rate behaviour of the samples followed the parabolic rate characteristic for inward oxidation process driven by oxygen inward diffusion through the oxide scale with the maximum weight gain around of 60 g/m2. The oxidation resistance was strongly affected by the formation of the oxide protective layer on the surface. In so far, addition of zirconia particles has played no significant role to the oxidation behaviour.