The degradation mechanism of 304, 310S, 316L and 321 stainless steels in E-scrap smelting slag

Improving the service life of oxygen lance is a key assignment in electronic scrap smelting process. The degradation mechanism of 304, 310S, 316L, and 321 stainless steels in FeO x -SiO 2 -CaO-Al 2 O 3 slag were experimentally studied at the range of 1300–1400 °C, in the air and at p O2 = 10 -7 atm. The oxidation and dissolution of steel components, and the formation of (Ni,Fe)(Fe,Cr,Al) 2 O 4 spinel phases caused steel degradation. The chrome oxide layers protected the stainless steel from further corrosion at high p O2 . 310S stainless steel had the best performance in the experimental conditions, and 321 stainless steel was also stable at low temperatures.