Comparison of repassivation kinetics of stainless steels in chloride solution

Abstract

Using a rapid scratching electrode technique, the repassivation kinetics of type 304, 316, 444, and 2205 stainless steels (SS) were investigated in a chloride solution. The value of cBV in a log i(t) versus 1/q(t) plot as an effective measure of the repassivation rate was used to compare the reapssivation behaviors among the alloys. During repassivation, lower values of cBV for SS corresponded with faster repassivation rates with the formation of a more protective passive film. In a comparison of repassivation rates based on the alloy's cBV values, the best repassivation behavior was shown by 2205 SS, followed by 444 SS and 316 SS. However, 304 SS exhibited an inflection point in the log i(t) versus 1/q(t) curve, suggesting that dissolution by localized corrosion rather than SCC may occur in the alloy under given conditions.