Effects of Alloying Elements and Microstructure on Stainless Steel Corrosion: A Review

Abstract

Stainless steel has attracted significant attention in industrial and engineering applications. To improve its corrosion resistance, there are two major approaches that are to optimize the elemental composition and tune the microstructure. A comprehensive review of the main findings on the corrosion of stainless steel is presented, and some controversial issues are highlighted. First, the functional roles of alloying elements are discussed, including nonmetallic (B, C, and N) and metallic (Cr, Ni, Cu, and Mo) elements. Additionally, their detrimental and positive effects, as well as the corresponding mechanisms, are highlighted. Second, the microstructure‐induced corrosion of stainless steel is discussed, including the crystallographic‐orientation‐dependent corrosion, the dual influence of grain size and grain boundary distribution, texture, and defects in the matrix. In addition, nanostructured materials are mentioned herein. Third, challenges as well as research trends in the future are proposed with perspectives for the development of novel stainless steel in research and industrial applications.

Understanding the role of Ti addition on the corrosion and passive film characteristics of Nb stabilized AISI 347 weld

“…As reported previously, higher contents of Cr and Ni in the passive film of stainless steels enhance its protectiveness by forming denser, thinner, and more protective passive films. [ 34–36 ]…”

“…As reported previously, higher contents of Cr and Ni in the passive film of stainless steels enhance its protectiveness by forming denser, thinner, and more protective passive films. [34][35][36] The electrochemical characteristics of the passive film of Ti added and conventional AISI 347 weld metal surfaces were examined through impedance measurements and experimental impedance data recorded and shown in the form of Nyquist and Bode plots (Figure 9a,b). In Nyquist plots, one semicircle capacitive loop (depressed) was observed corresponding to one time constant as noted in Bode impedance and phase angle plots depicting a similar corrosion pattern for all welds (Figure 9a,c,d).…”

Photochargeable Semiconductors: in “Dark Photocatalysis” and Beyond

“…[80,81] In particular, the oxidation of type 304 stainless steel (SS) is of high concern to naval engineering. [81,82] Corrosion is usually tackled by cathodic protection, which consists of either the application of an external current to prevent the oxidation and dissolution of the metal or the installation of sacrificial anodes that are oxidized instead of the working material. [83] Photoelectrochemical (PEC) cathodic protection has emerged in the past decades as an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to traditional techniques.…”

Revealing the Corrosion Resistance of 316 L Stainless Steel by an In Situ Grown Nano Oxide Film

“…Frankel et al proposed that the protectiveness of the passive film plays an essential role under less aggressive conditions [ 7 ]. Most researchers tend to think that it should be related to the impermeability of the film [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. This suggestion, on the one hand, is based on the efficient blocking of aggressive ions (e.g., chloride ions) by the compact Cr 2 O 3 layer with fewer defects [ 8 , 12 ].…”

“…Most researchers tend to think that it should be related to the impermeability of the film [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. This suggestion, on the one hand, is based on the efficient blocking of aggressive ions (e.g., chloride ions) by the compact Cr 2 O 3 layer with fewer defects [ 8 , 12 ]. On the other hand, pitting only occurs after the protective film undergoes a breakdown event [ 9 , 11 , 13 ].…”