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Electrochemical analysis of pitting corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel

Conference · · Proc. - Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:7120132

The pitting behavior of 316L stainless has been studied by pitting potential measurements using a potentiodynamic test method. The effects of chloride ion concentration, pH, sulfate ion concentration, and temperature of the electrolyte on pit initiation in 316 stainless steel have been determined. The effects of chloride ion concentration and pH were interpreted qualitatively using a Langmuir isotherm and electrosorption model. The critical concentration of sulfate ion at various temperatures required to shift the pitting potential in the noble direction, was determined. The empirical equation for the concentration of sulfate ion versus temperature was found to be log (Na/sub 2/SO/sub 4/) = 0.01T - 0.35. A potentiostat was used to determine the kinetics of pit initiation. The pitting induction time was found to be dependent on the oxide film thickness. The apparent activation energy for pit initiation was found to be 10.2 kcal/mol, which supports the mechanism of single ion transport through the film as being the rate determining step.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Minnesota Minneapolis, MN
OSTI ID:
7120132
Report Number(s):
CONF-811013-
Journal Information:
Proc. - Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Proc. - Electrochem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 83-1; ISSN PESOD
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English