Kinetics of the Decarburization of alpha and gamma Iron in H2O-H2 Mixtures and of Carburization in CO-H2 Mixtures.

Resistance measurements on 10 mu m thick high purity iron foil were used to investigate the processes of decarburization of iron in H//2O-H//2 mixtures at temperatures between 600 and 1000 degree C and of carburization in CO-H//2 mixtures. Rate law equations, temperature dependence, and the mechanism of the reaction left brace CO right brace plus left brace H//2 right brace reversible reaction left bracket C right bracket plus left brace H//2O right brace are discussed, as well as the effects of diffusion and transport phenomena in the gas phase on the decarburization in H//2O-H//2 mixtures.