Influence of nitrogen addition on the crevice corrosion resistance of nitrogen-bearing austenitic stainless steels

Crevice corrosion studies were carried out on nitrogen-bearing types 304, 316 and 317 austenitic stainless steels (SS) by a potentiodynamic anodic polarisation method in an acidic chloride medium. A special all-glass crevice assembly was used for providing reproducible crevice effects on the surface of the test specimen. The results indicated that the increase in nitrogen content improved the crevice corrosion resistance of the alloys by decreasing the active dissolution, and increasing both passive film stability and the potential at which crevice attack was stable. This was very significant for 304 and 316 SS alloys in comparison with 317 SS alloys. The combined influence of nitrogen and molybdenum was found to be very significant in providing high crevice corrosion resistance for 317 SS alloys. Optical microscopic observation revealed severe crevice attack on types 304 and 316 SS alloys compared to mild crevice attack on type 317 alloys. Based on the results of the present investigation a possible mechanism by which nitrogen addition improved the crevice corrosion resistance is discussed.     

Pitting corrosion resistance of laser surface alloyed 304 stainless steel

Abstract

The pitting corrosion resistance of AISI 304 stainless steel (SS), which was laser melted in both nitrogen and argon atmosphere, was studied using the potentiodynamic anodic polarisation method. An attempt was made to introduce nitrogen onto the surface layers by melting in nitrogen atmosphere and argon atmosphere using a continuous wave CO₂ laser as the heat source at a power output of 3·06 kW at the laser head. The pitting corrosion resistance was determined by measuring the critical pitting potential during anodic polarisation. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was carried out on the laser melted surface to characterise the chemical composition. It was found that the pitting corrosion resistance of 304 SS was improved when laser surface melting was carried out in argon and was improved further when melting was carried out in nitrogen atmosphere. However, the improvement in pitting corrosion resistance in laser melted material was observed only in the reabraded condition and the pitting corrosion resistance in the as melted condition was lower than for the unmelted 304 SS. The improvement in localised corrosion behaviour was attributed to the increase of nitrogen content which was incorporated onto the surface layer during laser surface melting and this was confirmed using SIMS.

MST/1530     

LASER SURFACE TREATMENTS FOR PROMOTING CORROSION RESISTANCE OF A CARBON STEEL

The effect of laser treatment and laser alloying on corrosion resistance of 1045 steel has been studied. Various ways of surface alloying have been investigated by using continuous CO₂ laser beam: i) irradiation of chromium painted surfaces; ii) irradiation of Ni and Cr-electroplated surfaces; iii) direct injection of Ni and Cr powders into the melt pool. A high and uniform level of alloying in the surface layer can be achieved in the cases of electroplated surfaces and direct powder injection. It requires, however, an appropriate choice of irradiation conditions (such as beam power, beam traverse speed, beam defocusing and degree of overlapping) that provide remelted layer of a limited and fairly uniform thickness. It has been found that in order to achieve corrosion behavior of laser treated surfaces similar to that of austenite type 304 stainless steel chromium and nickel contents in the alloyed layer are to be higher than those of 304 steel.     

Microstructure, corrosion and mechanical properties of 304 stainless steel containing copper, silicon and nitrogen

The effects of 0.086–0.336% nitrogen additions on the microstructure, corrosion and mechanical properties of type 304 austenitic stainless steel (SS) containing 2% copper and 2–3% silicon were studied. This study was carried out using scanning electron microscope (SEM), potentiodynamic, weight loss, hardness number and ball-punch bulge measurements. Mutual effects between Si and N were observed in the matrix of SS. Nitrogen offset the ferrite-forming tendencies of Si and was more efficient than Ni as austenitizer, but Si decreased the solubility of N in solid solution. N additions improved the pitting resistance of SS in acidic and neutral chloride solutions. This was more evident in more aggressive solutions than in solutions with low chloride concentrations. Segregation of second N-rich phases, like Cr₂N, in SS containing 2% Cu, 3% Si and 0.237% N was occurred. This steel exhibited less pitting corrosion resistance than the plain 304 SS in most chloride solutions under study. Addition of 2% Si to 304 SS containing Cu has negative effect on the mechanical behavior. But presence of N improved the mechanical strength of steel irrespective of the drop solubility of N affected by Si.     

Laser surface alloying of medium carbon steel with SiC(P)

Laser surface alloying (LSA) is increasingly recognised as a powerful surface modification tool to enhance the wear and corrosion resistance of engineering components. The present work deals with laser alloying of medium carbon steel with silicon carbide using a high-power CO₂ laser. A processing regime, identifying an appropriate laser power-scan speed combination for achieving defect-free alloyed layers, has been established during the study. The influence of repetitive scans on the alloyed layer properties was also subsequently investigated in a comprehensive manner. Repetitive scanning was found to affect substantially the laser-alloyed zone (LAZ) and heat-affected zone dimensions, as well as the phase constitution of the laser-alloyed layers. The microstructure in the LSA layers was also observed to vary significantly with the number of scans, besides changing quite distinctly with depth in the LAZ. Tribological tests revealed considerable improvement in abrasive wear performance by laser surface alloying, and the results also emphasise the need to control the number of repetitive scans to achieve optimum performance.     

Microstructural characterisation and corrosion behaviour of laser cladded Al–12Si alloy onto magnesium AS41/carbon fibre composite

Abstract

The quality and properties of laser clad layers are dependent on the microstructure and properties of the interfaces with the substrate. The present paper reports, in details, on the characterisation of microstructure of the coating and interfacial layers evolved as a result of the CO₂ laser remelting of previously plasma sprayed Al–12Si alloy onto C short fibres reinforced AS41–Mg composite. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wavelength dispersive X-ray (WDX) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to identify the phases arising in the interfacial layers. The latter are composed mainly of Mg₁₇Al₁₂ and Mg₂Si phases. XRD was conducted on the clad layers at different distances from the interface. At the same layers, the potentiodynamic polarisation in sodium chloride solution was measured and it was found that as the Mg content increases in the clad coating, the corrosion resistance decreases. However, the corrosion current of the clad coating is around two orders of magnitude lower than that of the C/Mg composite.     

Preparation of Ni–Co alloy coating on sintered NdFeB magnet by potentiodynamic electrodeposition

A protective Ni–Co alloy coating was successfully prepared on sintered neodymium–iron–boron (NdFeB) magnet via potentiodynamic electrodeposition in this paper. The microstructure and surface morphology analysis of Ni–Co alloy coating showed that the surface morphologies were quite compact and more uniform than that prepared by direct current (DC) electrodeposition; significantly, the chemical composition analysis indicated that the content of Co in the alloy coatings amounted to 33–34?wt-%. Potentiodynamic polarisation and long term immersion test results revealed that the Ni–Co alloy coating could supply excellent corrosion protection for NdFeB substrate in 3.5?wt-% NaCl solution. Overall, the Ni–Co alloy coating with higher Co content prepared by potentiodynamic electrodeposition exhibited better corrosion protection for sintered NdFeB magnet compared with that prepared by DC electrodeposition.     

Corrosion behaviour of nanocrystallines 304 stainless steel in simulated secondary side environment

Surface nanocrystallisation (SNC) was prepared on the top-surface layer of 304 stainless steel by ultrasonic surface rolling treatment (USRT). Meanwhile, martensite transformation also occurred during grain refinement, and the surface microhardness increased more than tripled after USRT. The corrosion resistance of nanocrystallines (NC) 304 stainless steel was notably better than that of untreated samples in simulated pressurised water reactor (PWR) secondary water by potentiodynamic polarisation curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky curves. Meanwhile, the corrosion mechanism was discussed before and after USRT by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The main reason is due to the formation of denser Cr(OH)₃ protective film and the reduction of the porous structure Fe₂O₃ content in the NC 304 stainless steel.     

Deciphering the potentiodynamic polarization curves of iron aluminides Fe3Al and Fe3Al + Cr

The potentiodynamic polarization curves of Fe₃Al and Fe₃Al + Cr intermetallics obtained in aerated pH 4 H₂SO₄ acidic solution have been theoretically analyzed. The role of chromium in minimizing the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of the intermetallic Fe₃Al (resulting in its poor ductility) has been addressed based on the analysis. In the case of the chromium-alloyed iron aluminide, calculations indicate that hydrogen liberation does not occur on the surface due to the shift of the corrosion mixed potential to a value nobler than the electrode potential for the hydrogen evolution reaction. This shift occurs due to the induction of passivity on alloying with Cr resulting in the formation of a passive film. The minimization of HE of iron aluminides on alloying with Cr can thus be understood.     

Comparative corrosion studies of zirconia particle reinforced high‐alloyed 14‐6‐6 CrMnNi‐steel by potentiodynamic polarisation and one year outdoor exposure

The corrosion behaviour of a spark plasma sintered CrMnNi high‐alloyed steel, without and with 10 vol.% zirconia particle reinforcement was investigated by potentiodynamic polarisation in 5 wt.% sodium chloride solution and by an one year outdoor exposure test. After the polarisation test both materials revealed a similar damage behaviour as in the outdoor exposure test. The unreinforced material was attacked by pitting corrosion, whereas the particle reinforced material showed a more homogeneous corrosion attack involving an intensified particle detachment. Furthermore, investigations of the unreinforced steel by white light interferometry revealed pit depths of approximately 65 µm after potentiodynamic polarisation and 36 µm after one year outdoor exposure. In contrast, for the composite a damage evolution due to particle detachment was found in both experiments.     

Corrosion behaviour of amorphous Ni–Si thin films on AISI 304L stainless steel

Abstract

Nanoscale Ni – Si thin films are widely used in commercial microelectronic devices because of their promising electrical properties as well as their chemical stability. However, their application in corrosive environment has not been frequently addressed in the literature. In this study, amorphous Ni_0.66Si_0.33, Ni_0.40Si_0.60, and Ni_0.20Si_0.80 thin films are prepared on AISI 304L stainless steel by means of ion-beam sputter (IBS) deposition and their corrosion behaviour is studied using potentiodynamic polarisation measurements. The electrochemical measurements were conducted in 0.05M HCl solution at room temperature. By means of optical interferometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the surface morphology and chemical composition of the thin films were examined before and after the electrochemical measurement. The evaluated results showed that the Ni–Si thin films may exhibit improved corrosion resistance over the 304L substrate provided that Si content is high enough to facilitate the formation of a Si-rich passive film.     

A study of the erosion-corrosion behavior of nano-Cr2O3 particles reinforced Ni-based composite alloying layer in aqueous slurry environment

To investigate the role of nano-Cr₂O₃ particles on the erosion-corrosion behavior of composite alloying layer, a nano-Cr₂O₃ particles reinforced Ni-based composite alloying layer was fabricated onto AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) via a duplex surface treatment, consisting of Ni/nano-Cr₂O₃ predeposited by electric brush plating, and subsequent Ni-Cr-Mo-Cu multi-element surface alloying by a double glow process. The microstructure and composition of composite alloying layer were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicated that the added nano-Cr₂O₃ particles were homogeneously distributed in the alloying layer and didn’t decompose or react with surrounding metal matrix under alloying temperature (1000 °C) condition. A series of electrochemical techniques, including potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential (OCP), current response and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), was employed to evaluate the corrosion properties of nano-Cr₂O₃ particles reinforced composite alloying layer under various hydrodynamic conditions. Erosion-corrosion tests were conducted in 3.5% NaCl solution plus sand particles with varying concentration (50-150 g/L) at different rotation speeds (600-1100 rpm). To estimate the influence of the nature of different nano-particles on the erosion-corrosion property of composite alloying layer, nano-SiO₂ particles reinforced Ni-based composite alloying layer, single alloying layer and 316L SS was selected as the reference materials for all the corrosion and erosion-corrosion tests.     

Pitting corrosion resistance of as welded and thermally aged nitrogen containing type 316 stainless steel weld metal

Abstract

Type 316 stainless steel weld metal with 0·07%N, prepared using nitrogen bearing 316 stainless steel filler wire by the manual metal arc (MMA) welding process, was evaluated for the microstructural changes and pitting corrosion resistance in as welded and aged (at both 1023 and 1123 K for 0·5, 1, 10, and 100 h) conditions. The initial delta ferrite content was about 5·5 ferrite number, which transformed from 70 to 100% as secondary precipitates depending on the aging conditions. Electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation studies did not show any reactivation peak indicating the absence of Cr depleted zones. Pitting corrosion studies in a medium of 0·5M NaCl + 0·5M H₂ SO₄ (acidic chloride) by the potentiodynamic anodic polarisation method showed a significant variation in the pitting resistance which depended on the aging conditions. The pitting corrosion resistance has been correlated to the precipitation kinetics of the secondary phases such as sigma, carbide, and Cr₂ N in the weld metal.     

Microstructure and polarisation behaviour of TiN–TiB2 matrix coating prepared by reactive plasma spraying

Abstract

Two TiN–TiB₂ matrix coatings were prepared by reactive plasma spraying with two spraying powders (Ti+B₄C+Cr, Ti+B₄C). Their microstructure, phases, microhardness and polarisation behaviours in 3·5 wt-% NaCl solution have been investigated by SEM, XRD, hardness tester and electrochemical analyser. The thermodynamics analysis for reactive plasma spraying was discussed and the effect of addition of Cr on adiabatic temperature of TiB₂ forming reaction was also analysed. The thermodynamics analysis shows that the reaction temperature during reactive spraying process is >2030 K. To satisfy the criterion of self-propagating high temperature TiB₂ forming reaction, the addition of Cr should be >192·6 wt-% of the total weight of Ti and B₄C. The experimental results show that the addition of Cr decreases the stress in the coating so as to the cracks of coating at the expense of microhardness, yet the microhardness of both two coatings is a high value. The corrosion resistance of TiN–TiB₂ matrix coating was greatly improved. The anodic polarisation curve of TiN–TiB₂ coating includes a narrow activation zone and a broad passivation zone, which indicates the stability of coating is very excellent. The addition of Cr increases the corrosion potential of coating, yet an overpassivation zone appears, which is due to the breakage of passivation film.     

Corrosion behavior and passive film chemistry of 216L stainless steel in sulphuric acid

Corrosion behavior and chemical structure of the passive film of a newly developed 200 series austenitic stainless steel (216L) were studied in sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and compared with 316L. From potentiodynamic polarization studies it was found that the corrosion behavior of 216L closely follows that of 316L. The breakdown of passivity was evaluated by addition of sodium chloride (NaCl). The immersion tests revealed that the corrosion rate of 216L in various concentrations of H₂SO₄ at ambient temperature is equivalent to 316L. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the passive film formed on 216L revealed enrichment of Cr ions on the surface while Mo and N compounds were also present. Ni and Mn ions were conspicuous by their absence in the passive film.     

海底生物燃料电池中304不锈钢(06Cr19Ni10)阴极腐蚀保护作用研究

以304不锈钢(06Cr19Ni10)作为阴极构建海底生物燃料电池装置,研究了该电池对其海水腐蚀的阴极保护作用。自然腐蚀状态下不锈钢电位为-260 mV,阴极保护试样为-340 mV。荧光显微镜(FM)和扫描电镜(SEM)观察结果表明,两组试样的表面微生物附着情况差别不大,阴极保护试样表面腐蚀程度较低。电化学阻抗法及极化曲线测试表明,通电保护试样的阻抗值随时间增加逐渐增大,腐蚀电流密度Icorr逐渐减小,保护试样的抗腐蚀能力增强,电池装置对不锈钢阴极起到一定的保护作用。     

钛合金表面加弧辉光离子渗镍铬及其性能研究

采用加弧辉光离子渗金属新技术处理钛合金Ti5Al2.5Sn表面,研究了渗层的相组成特点,成分分布情况,评价了改性层的磨擦摩损性能,及与钛合金基体间的接触腐蚀相容性等。结果表明加弧辉光离子渗技术可以快速地在钛合金表面获得NiCr镀渗复合层。渗层由Ni3Ti等金属间化合物组成,其硬度、耐磨性能均高于离子注氮层,具有较高的抗含Cl^-1水溶液腐蚀性能,在含Cl^-1腐蚀环境中与钛合金基体接触相容。     

Microhardness and Microstructure Studies on Laser Surface Alloyed Aluminum Alloy with Ni-Cr

Aluminum alloy LM13 was surface alloyed with Ni and Cr of different compositions (in wt.%) at various laser powers (1 kW, 1.5 kW, and 2 kW) using CW CO₂ laser. Microhardness and microstructure of alloyed regions were examined.

The study shows that surface alloying is achieved when the laser power is sufficiently high (1.5 kW). Microhardness increases appreciably when the Cr concentration is increased in the Ni-Cr composition. However, in the alloyed region, large variations in microhardness are observed with depth below the surface of the material. Microstructure exhibits needle structure when Ni-concentration is high and undergoes a phase transformation when Cr-concentration is increased. XRD analysis in the alloyed samples shows formation of intermetallic compounds.     

微观组织对0Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb马氏体不锈钢的耐点腐蚀性能的影响

采用化学浸泡法和模拟闭塞电池方法研究了固溶+时效和固溶+调整+时效处理的0Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb马氏体不锈钢的耐点腐蚀性能,并与18-8型奥氏体不锈钢(316L)耐点蚀性能进行了对比。结果表明,0Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb马氏体不锈钢组织内富Cu析出相促进了点蚀坑萌生,而点蚀坑发展则与组织形貌有关。固溶+调整+时效处理的0Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb马氏体不锈钢因组织内析出富Cu相多而大,其萌生的点蚀坑密度较高,但由于马氏体板条较细,其点蚀坑尺寸和深度较小;固溶+时效处理的0Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb马氏体不锈钢因组织内析出富Cu相少而小,萌生的点蚀坑密度较低,但粗大的板条马氏体组织导致点蚀坑尺寸和深度较大。与18-8型奥氏体不锈钢耐点蚀性能对比表明,通过对0Cr17Ni4Cu4Nb马氏体不锈钢进行合理的热处理,其耐点蚀性能可与18-8型奥氏体不锈钢相当。     

Corrosion and Fatigue Testing of Microsized 304 Stainless Steel Beams Fabricated by Femtosecond Laser

The 304 stainless steel (SS) microcantilever specimens with dimensions of 30 μm×30 μm×50μm (thickness×width × length) were fabricated by femtosecond (fs) laser. The microsized cantilevers of good quality with structure and dimensions according commendably with that of the designed cantilever were obtained. The result shows that fs laser micromachining is a promising method for directly fabricating metallic microcomponents.Corrosion and fatigue properties of microsized specimens were carried out on the microsized 304 SS cantilever beams by a newly developed fatigue testing machine. The results show that the microsized 304 SS specimens appear to have an improved resistance towards localized corrosion compared to ordinary-sized 304 SS specimens after the static corrosion testing. The testing result shows that the presence of corrosive solution reduces the fatigue lifetime of the 304 SS specimen by a factor of 10-100. The maximum bending loads measured by fatigue testing machine decrease rapidly at the terminal stage of environment assisted fatigue testing.Corrosion fracture first occurred at the range of notch with a higher tensile bending stress, and exhibited clear evidence of trans-columnar fracture detected by SEM (scanning electron microscopy).