Hot corrosion resistances of yttrium-implanted and unimplanted low-manganese–carbon steels

Yttrium-implanted and unimplanted low-manganese–carbon steel samples were analyzed at T=700°C and under an oxygen partial pressure PO2=0.04 Pa for 24 h to observe the yttrium implantation effect on sample hot corrosion resistance. The yttrium implantation effect on low-manganese–carbon steel was investigated using several analytical and structural techniques such as Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD) before the high-temperature oxidation test. Sample oxidation behaviors were studied by thermogravimetry and by in-situ high-temperature XRD with the same experimental conditions. The aim of this work is to show the initial nucleation stage of the main compounds induced by oxidation at high temperature according to the initial sample treatment (yttrium-implanted or unimplanted). Our results allow a better understanding of the improved corrosion resistance of yttrium-implanted low-manganese–carbon steel at high temperature.