In situ nanoparticle-induced anti-oxidation of FeCr alloys

Effective oxidation control of metal materials is a long-standing challenge. Here we show a new strategy for oxidation control induced by nanoparticles (NPs). The results demonstrate that the in situ formed NPs can promote the formation and growth of a continuous and dense protective oxide scale while enhancing its adhesion with the matrix. Furthermore, the assembly of NPs on the grain boundaries (GBs) and phase boundaries (PBs) can be effective in stifling the inward diffusion of oxygen ions and the outward diffusion of cations. The effectiveness of this approach is verified in FeCr alloys in high temperature conditions. Our approach can break through the inherent limitations of conventional alloying treatment, e.g. the detrimental element interaction, the high costs and limited availability of noble metals and rare earth elements, which may pave a new avenue for the remarkable improvement in the oxidation resistance of metal materials.

Automated summary

A new strategy for oxidation control induced by nanoparticles (NPs) is demonstrated to effectively promote the formation and growth of a continuous and dense protective oxide scale on metal materials, while inhibiting the inward diffusion of oxygen ions and outward diffusion of cations. This approach shows promise in improving the oxidation resistance of metal materials without the limitations of conventional alloying treatments.