Aggressive metal dusting attack of nickel-based alloys was encountered in high water vapor containing
syn gas environments in the 1000-1110oF (538-566oC) range while iron-based alloys suffered little
damage. Metallurgical and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy analyses of sectioned specimens
found the iron-based alloys formed protective chromium rich oxide films while the nickel-based alloys
did not. Nickel based alloys suffered both iron and chromium depletion from the surface layers as well
as accelerated attack. A mechanism for these observations is discussed.