A comparison of two aluminizing methods for corrosion protection in the wet seal of molten carbonate fuel cells

The corrosion of aluminized Type 310S stainless steel in the wet seal of molten carbonate fuel cells was investigated. Samples prepared with two aluminizing methods were used: thermal spray and slurry coating. At first, the diffusion of Fe and Cr into the aluminum is limited to the interfacial area. With time at 650/spl deg/C, Fe and Cr aluminides precipitate in the Al layer. The slurry-coated layer contains a higher concentration of FeAl and Fe/sub 3/Al than does the thermal spray layer. Because of the high iron content, the corrosion protection of the slurry layer is lower than that of the thermal spray layer.