Role of Cerium on High-Temperature Oxidation Behaviour of Low-Carbon Steel

This study investigates the effect of Cerium (Ce) on the oxidation behaviour of low-carbon steels. Different compositions of the Ce-containing steels have been microstructurally examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) methods after isothermal holding at 700 °C for 120 h, simulating the oxidation phenomenon during various metallurgical processes. Characterization of the oxidized surface regarding their peculiar morphology and appearance has also been carried out. The inhibitory role of Ce on the kinetics of high-temperature corrosion and oxidation has been enumerated in this study. The insightful effect of the segregated and dissolved Ce, along with the different Ce-precipitates towards the oxidation behaviour, has eventually justified the resistance to high-temperature corrosion.