B and Ce composite microalloying for improving high-temperature oxidation resistance of 254SMO super-austenite stainless steel

Aiming at serious oxidation problem of 254SMO super-austenitic stainless steel during hot working, the influence of B and Ce composite microalloying on its oxidation behavior was comparatively investigated at 1050 and 1100 °C. The results demonstrated that the combination of B and Ce can significantly alter the composition of the oxide film in 254SMO. Particularly, B and Ce composite microalloying can effectively promote the diffusion of Cr to the surface, and form a dense Cr₂O₃ oxide film at a faster rate in the initial stage, which is more conducive to inhibiting the Mo volatilization and thus improving the oxidation resistance of 254SMO steels. Additionally, compared to the 0.005 wt% B (50B) and 0.005 wt% B together with 0.002 wt% Ce (50B + 20Ce) samples, the addition of 0.005 wt% B together with 0.005 wt% Ce (50B + 50Ce) had a more significant effect on improving high-temperature oxidation resistance of 254SMO. This research provides a valuable scholarly reference for improving the oxidation resistance of super-austenite stainless steels.