Research & Development
Key Metallurgical Parameters
Iron is an allotropic element that can exist in more than one crystalline form: austenite and ferrite. Pure iron solidifies from the liquid at 1,538 °C as delta iron with body centred cubic lattice (bcc). As cooling proceeds further and reaches 1,395 °C the iron atoms rearrange and form gamma iron with face-centred cubic lattice (fcc). As cooling proceeds further and reaches 910 °C, the structure reverts to 9 atoms lattice or alpha iron. The crystallisation during the solidification period is called the "primary crystallisation" and constitute the essence of this innovation. Grains can be orientated in 3 ways known as {101}, {001} and {111} with the orientation {101} being able to generate and oxide passive film with high ionic and electronic resistance (Rct), which consequently reduces the corrosion attack in sulphuric and hydrochloric acid.
High Resolution EBSD
Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) provides crystallographic information of the grains
Crystal Grain Orientation
Grains in the iron matrix are oriented, and the type of orientation determines the corrosion behaviour of the substrate.
Oxide Film Structure
An specific crystal grain orientation of the substrate enhances the formation of an oxide layer with high charge transfer resistance.
Distintive Passive Film
The passive film formed on the surface of Superhex is distinctive and inhibits the corrosion mechanism.