Oxidation behaviour and microstructure evolution of Zr-containing steel under continuous high-temperature exposure

The microstructural evolution and high-temperature oxidation resistance performance of Zr-containing steel were investigated via isothermal oxidation at 1000 °C for up to 150 h. In the oxide formation stage (stage Ⅰ), Zr can promote the preferential growth of certain oxides. When oxidation proceeds to the oxide growth stage (stage Ⅱ), Zr has a more significant effect on improving the high-temperature oxidation resistance of the experimental steel. Furthermore, Zr does not directly participate in the formation of the oxide layer, but improves the composition and structure of the oxide film and promotes the formation of FeCr2O4, MnCr2O4, and Cr2O3 in the oxides.