Abstract
A family of inexpensive, Al2O3-forming, high creep strength austenitic stainless steels have been developed. The alloys are based on Fe-20Ni-14Cr-2.5 Al wt.%, with strengthening achieved via nanodispersions of NbC. These alloys offer the potential to significantly increase the operating temperatures of structural components, and can be used under the aggressive oxidizing conditions encountered in energy conversion systems. Protective Al2O3 scale formation was achieved at lower levels of Al in austenitic alloys than previously used, provided that the Ti and V alloying additions frequently used for strengthening were eliminated. The lower levels of Al permitted stabilization of the austenitic matrix structure, and made it possible to obtain excellent creep resistance. Creep rupture lifetime in excess of 2000 h at 750�aC and 100 MPa in air, and resistance to oxidation in air + 10% water vapor environments at 650 and 800�aC are demonstrated
