Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steels Analyzed by Fractal Geometry

Abstract

Fractal property of the passivated steel surface was investigated on the basis of scaling analysis with a special focus on its relationship with corrosion resistance. For this purpose, the surface of stainless steel was intentionally oxidized under a variety of passivation conditions and its scaling property was analyzed by a triangulation method. The morphology of the passivated steel surface was satisfactorily evaluated with fractal dimension. From the chronoamperometry and impedance measurement, it proved that lower fractal dimension leads to more enhanced corrosion resistance. The higher passivity of the steel surface with lower fractal dimension was discussed in terms of active area and structural imperfection.