High-temperature oxidation behavior of 301 stainless steel containing Cu

The oxidation behavior of Cu-bearing 301 austenitic stainless steels (ASSs) heated to 1150 & DEG;C in air was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that the addition of 1.0-1.8 wt% copper to 301 stainless steel can significantly improve its high-temperature oxidation resistance. The formation of high-temperature oxides scales occurred in a narrow temperature range and was delayed. The temperatures corresponding to the main exothermic peak had increased by more than 100 & DEG;C. A more uniform, denser and thicker protective Crrich oxidation scale was formed rapidly on the steel surface, and could efficiently prevent further oxidation. No copper enrichment occurred on the steel surface during the heating process.