Corrosion of Chromia and Alumina Forming Ferritic Stainless Steels under Dual Atmosphere Exposure Conditions

Surface morphology and chemistry of oxide scales formed on select chromia and alumina forming ferritic steels have been studied after exposure to a dual atmosphere of hydrogen and air. Localized Fe-rich oxide nodules with surface whiskers/platelets form at the onset of corrosion. The initiation and growth of localized nodules and breakdown of the passivation are attributed to the presence of hydrogen, inclusion of iron oxide in the passivating scale, and subsequent growth of iron-rich oxide due to the establishment of redox (H2-H2O) atmosphere and modification of oxide defect chemistry.

Glass-Ceramic Sealants for SOEC: Thermal Characterization and Electrical Resistivity in Dual Atmosphere

A Ba-based glass-ceramic sealant is designed and tested for solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) applications. A suitable SiO2/BaO ratio is chosen in order to obtain BaSi2O5 crystalline phase and subsequently favorable thermo-mechanical properties of the glass-ceramic sealant. The glass is analyzed in terms of thermal, thermo-mechanical, chemical, and electrical behavior. Crofer22APU-sealant-Crofer22APU joined samples are tested for 2000 h at 850 °C in a dual atmosphere test rig having reducing atmosphere of H2:H2O 50/50 (mol%) and under the applied voltage of 1.6 V. In order to simulate the SOEC dynamic working conditions, thermal cycles are performed during the long-term electrical resistivity test. The glass-ceramic shows promising behavior in terms of high density, suitable CTE, and stable electrical resistivity (106–107 Ω cm) under SOEC conditions. The SEM-EDS post mortem analysis confirms excellent chemical and thermo-mechanical compatibility of the glass-ceramic with Crofer22APU.