The elevated temperature oxidation of 18Cr-8Ni austenitic stainless steels in air is normally characterized by the formation of a protective, external chromium oxide scale. The low growth rate of this layer protects
the underlying metal from further oxidation. Laboratory testing of tlfin stainless steel foil specimens demonstrates that the presence of water vapor decreases the time required for breakaway oxidation to occur. Accelerated oxidation begins after the end of an incubation period, the length of which is affected by the amount of water vapor present. Changes in scale microstructure accompany the transition from normal
to accelerated oxidation. Rapid oxidation is accompanied by the formation of a thick, duplex scale comprised of a complex inner layer and an iron oxide outer layer.