High Temperature Oxidation Behavior of APM and APMT under Dry Air/Steam Condition

Oxidation behavior of alumina forming ferritic stainless steel (FeCrAl type stainless steels) grades APM and APMT, which are candidate alloys for fuel cladding, was studied using thermogravimetric analysis under dry air condition, and compared to that of ZIRLO (R). In addition to the dry air condition, we also studied the high temperature oxidation behavior of APM and APMT under 100% steam condition in order to compare the effect of environment on the oxidation behavior of these alloys. APM and APMT showed an excellent oxidation resistance at high temperatures compared to ZIRLO (R) under dry air condition due to a stable Al2O3 oxide scale formed at the surface. Under steam condition; the oxidation rate of APM and APMT was found to he higher compared to that under the dry air condition.