In Situ High-Temperature X-Ray Diffraction Characterization of Yttrium-Implanted Extra Low-Carbon Steel

Yttrium-implanted and unimplanted extra low-carbon steel samples were analyzed at T = 700°C and under an oxygen partial pressure PO2 = 0.04Pa for 24 h to show the yttrium implantation effect on extra low-carbon steel high-temperature corrosion resistance. Sample oxidation weight gains were studied by thermogravimetry, and structural analyses were performed using in situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction with the same experimental conditions. The aim of this paper is to show the initial nucleation stage of the main compounds induced by oxidation at high temperatures according to the initial sample treatment (yttrium-implanted or unimplanted). The results obtained by in situ high-temperature X-ray diffraction will be compared to those by thermogravimetry to show the existing correlation between weight gain curves and structural studies. Our results allow one to understand the improved corrosion resistance of yttrium-implanted extra low-carbon steel at high temperatures.