AISI(1) type 304L (UNS(2) 30403) and 316L (UNS 31603) stainless steels were heat treated under controlled conditions to produce surface oxides similar to those formed during welding. The oxides were surface-analyzed by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and studied electrochemically in both a weak sulfuric acid and a chloride-containing solution. The reduction in corrosion resistance brought about by the presence of the high-temperature oxides on the alloy surfaces was attributed to chromium depletion in both the oxide and underlying alloy substrate. This depletion was due to the relatively high oxygen partial pressures, present even during inert gas welding, and also to direct evaporation of this element from the surface. AES and corrosion test results for the heat-treated specimens were then compared with those obtained on welded type 304 stainless steel.

Subject
Water, Oxides, Chromium, Welding, Metal oxides, Chromium oxide, Oxide surfaces, Interfaces, Pitting, Oxygen, Mining, Corrosion resistance, Stainless steel
Keywords:
welding, oxides and scales on stainless steels
National Association of Corrosion Engineers
1989
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