Abstract
The results of microstructure observations of the $Al_2O_3$ scale formed on a Fe-Cr-Al steel during high temperature oxidation in the $SO_2$ atmosphere are presented. Morphology of the scale has been studied by SEM and TEM techniques. Phase and chemical compositions have been studied by EDX and XRD techniques. The alumina oxide is a primary component of the scale. TEM observations showed that the scale was multilayer. The entire surface of the scale is covered with "whiskers", which look like very thin platelets and have random orientation. The cross section of a sample shows, that the "whiskers" are approximately $2{\mu}m$ high, however the compact scale layer on which they reside is $0.2{\mu}m$ thick. The scale layer was composed mainly of small equiaxial grains and a residual amount of small columnar grains. EDX analysis of the scale surface showed that the any sulfides were found in the formed outer and thin inner scale layer. A phase analysis of the scale formed revealed that it is composed mainly of the $\theta-Al_2O_3$ phase and a residual amount of $\alpha-Al_2O_3$.