Thermodynamics, mechanisms and kinetics of metal dusting

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A survey is given on recent research on “metal dusting” i.e. a catastrophic carburization or rather graphitization of metals and alloys occuring in carbonaceous atmospheres at carbon activities aC>1. The thermodynamics are explained, the mechanisms for iron, low and high alloy steels, nickel and Ni-base alloys are described and the kinetics derived for iron and low alloy steels. Protection against metal dusting is possible by the presence of sulfur in the atmosphere, since adsorbed sulfur retards carbon transfer and hems graphite nucleation. Also dense oxide layers are protective, the preconditions for the formation of Cr-rich protectivee layers on steels and Ni-base alloys are shortly presenteed.