Effect of chloride ions on 316L stainless steel in cyclic cooling water

The effect of Cl^- on the 316L stainless steel in simulated cooling water has been studied using polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Mott-Schottky plot and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Cl^- concentrations vary from 200 to 900 mg/L. Results reveal that the corrosion resistance increases with the decrease of Cl^- concentration in simulated cooling water. The increase of Cl^-concentration leads to the shift of the corrosion potential towards the positive direction. Mott-Schottky curves show that in the passive film, Cr₂O₃ and FeO at the inner layer exhibit P-type but Fe₂O₃ and CrO₃ (CrO₄^2-) N-type semiconductive properties. The SEM/EDX data demonstrate that elements such as Fe, O, C, Si and Cl as well as the presence of calcium and aluminum are presented on the surface of the metal.