Surface characteristics of oxide scale in hot strip rolling

Experimental simulation of oxidation scales during hot strip rolling was carried out on a GLEEBLE-3500 thermo-mechanical simulator. Specimens made of low carbon mild steel were exposed to air and water mist for 0.6–160 s at 800, 900 and 1000 °C. The atmosphere before and after carrying out oxidation was carefully controlled in order to get designated period of time of oxidation at constant temperature. Surface profile characteristics before and after oxidation were examined with atomic force microscope (AFM). An explicit surface profile transformation after oxidation was exhibited by the three-dimensional images from AFM. Oxide scale surface characteristics were investigated with roughness, section, power spectrum and particle distribution analysis.