Comparative analysis of microstructural, compositional, and grazing incidence characteristics of oxide scale on 316L steel: SLM vs. wrought conditions

Abstract

The aim of this research is to compare the oxidation behavior and characteristics of oxide scale of 316L steel produced by two methods: selective laser melting (SLM) and conventional casting and forming (wrought). To this end, the initial composition and microstructure of samples produced by those methods were first studied. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and long-term isothermal oxidation tests were carried out on the samples and the oxidation kinetics were compared. The oxidized samples were then examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). The results indicated that in the temperature range of 600 °C–900 °C, the oxidation resistance of the SLM alloy is lower than that of the wrought alloy, especially at 800 °C. This is attributed to the combined effect of: i) smaller grain size due to the rapid solidification in the SLM alloy that increases the paths of oxygen penetration, ii) lower presence of chromium and manganese elements in the oxide layer and iii) preferential growth of iron oxide in the form of hillocks on the surface. Surface and cross-section analysis of the oxide layers show that iron oxide is dominant on the surface of the SLM sample at temperatures of 600 °C and 800 °C, and at 800 °C its extended hilly growth leads to significant spallation of the oxide scale and an exponential increase in the oxidation rate. However, at 900 °C, with the formation of a continuous oxide layer containing Fe2MnO4 and CrMnO4, the oxidation rate significantly decreases in both alloys.

Keywords

• Oxidation
• 316L steel
• Oxide scale
• Selective laser melting
• Wrought alloy