The transmission electron microscopy of oxide scale formation on Fe‐Ni‐Cr alloys

SUMMARY The oxidation behaviour of 10Cr and 20Cr iron alloys, with nickel contents from 0 to 34 wt% both in air and in CO/CO2, is summarized with particular emphasis on the form and chemistry of the different scales as they were observed using transmission electron microscopy. The various modes of inward oxidation are for example characterized with ‘internal’ and ‘inner’ oxidation taking place under different circumstances. The role of carbon during oxidation in a CO/CO2 atmosphere is also discussed as is the way in which a given alloy can show either chemical or mechanical passivation failure in different environments.