To the formation of a protective layer by means of oxidation preventing corrosion on steel, in particular, the hardening of martensitic steels.

摘要

A method is provided for forming an anti-corrosive oxide layer on steel. The steel surface is subjected to superheated steam for a period of one to several hours. Before subjecting the steel to the superheated steam, the steel surface is initially subjected to a gaseous formic acid atmosphere at a raised temperature of up to 480 DEG C. The treatment with superheated steam takes place during a further heating period in which a temperature between 450 DEG C. and 520 DEG C. is maintained under steam flow-through conditions in which the steam flow has a Reynolds number greater than 900.