High-temperature oxidation behavior of 301 stainless steel containing Cu

The oxidation behavior of Cu-bearing 301 austenitic stainless steels (ASSs) heated to 1150 ℃ in air was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The results show that the addition of 1.0–1.8 wt% copper to 301 stainless steel can significantly improve its high-temperature oxidation resistance. The formation of high-temperature oxides scales occurred in a narrow temperature range and was delayed. The temperatures corresponding to the main exothermic peak had increased by more than 100 ℃. A more uniform, denser and thicker protective Cr-rich oxidation scale was formed rapidly on the steel surface, and could efficiently prevent further oxidation. No copper enrichment occurred on the steel surface during the heating process.