Effect of Austenite Stability on Pack Aluminizing of Stainless Steels

Abstract Surface modification of austenitic stainless-steel surfaces is a potential route to enhance their high temperature corrosion resistance. Two austenitic stainless steels with different stabilities were aluminized using the halide activated pack cementation process. The microstructure of the aluminide coatings were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy. Identification of surface phases was carried out using X-ray diffraction. Thickness changes versus coating time were plotted for each alloy. These plots were used to obtain insights into the kinetics of the process.