Study of the Corrosion Resistance of Type 304L and 316 Austenitic Stainless Steels in Acid Chloride Solution

Abstract

The corrosion resistance of type 304L and 316 austenitic stainless steels in 2M H 2 SO 4 at 0-1.5%NaCl concentrations was studied through potentiodynamic polarization technique and optical microscopy analysis. The corrosion rate, pitting potential, passivation potential and surface morphology of both steel where significantly altered by the Clion concentration, alloy composition and metallurgical properties of the steels. Results showed that 316 stainless steel significantly performed better than the 304L counterpart with the unusual phenomenon of decreasing corrosion rate with increase in Clion concentration. 304L steel showed no passivation and resistance to pitting after 0% NaCl concentration coupled with increase in corrosion rate. Despite similar elemental composition, the presence of molybdenum had a strong influence on the corrosion resistance and passivation of 316 steel. The surface morphology of 316 steel showed mild deterioration compared to severe surface deterioration, and visible micro/macro-pits on 304L.

The Effect of Sensitization on the Susceptibility of AISI 316L Biomaterial to Pitting Corrosion

“…The higher E p value reflects the better passive film quality and increased resistance to pitting. E p values were identified as the potentials of strong permanent increase in the current density in the passivity region [ 8 , 36 , 37 ]. E corr values of the above-mentioned curves ( Table 5 ) were determined as the potentials of the transition from the cathodic to the anodic branches.…”

“…The conditions of the applied chemical surface treatment are presented in Table 3 . The treatment solution was chosen to contain nitric acid (HNO 3 ), which is used as an effective oxidizing agent to strengthen the passive surface film and to raise the redox potential [ 8 , 9 , 32 , 39 ]. Hydrofluoric acid (HF) generates H + ions and it also acts as complexing agent for both Fe 3+ and Cr 3+ ions [ 32 ].…”

“…AISI 316L is the Cr-Ni-Mo grade of austenitic stainless steel (SS) widely used in the medical field preferred for its excellent corrosion resistance and appropriate mechanical properties [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Due to the high-quality passive surface film, AISI 316L exhibits exceptional resistance to general corrosion in oxidation environments [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Molybdenum addition suppresses a susceptibility to the localized corrosion, such as pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments [ 10 , 11 ].…”

“…Pits can grow in size and depth, compromising the integrity and strength of the stainless steel. This can result in premature failure, especially in environments where pitting corrosion is prevalent, such as chloride-rich solutions [ 8 , 9 , 36 , 37 ].…”

Effect of cyclic high temperature fluctuations on the corrosion failure of S40900, S43036, S31635 and S44400 stainless steels

“…The concentration of chloride and sulphate species strongly influences corrosion resistance (Loto, 2019a;De Souza et al, 2017). Study of the influence of Mo on S43036 shows Mo increases the pitting resistance of the steel (Loto, 2017). The pitting corrosion resistance of alloy S44400 steel was evaluated in chloride and sulphate environment with results showing the steel is more resilient to localized corrosion in chloride solution (Zatkalíková et al, 2010).…”