Influence of surface treatment on the crevice corrosion of super duplex stainless steel

The aim of this work was to try and discover if changes i surface condition, derived through various methods could influence the resistance to crevice corrosion of super duplex stainless teel (SDS). Such data could then be employed to elucidate the main factors controlling crevice corrosion. Through the manipulation of these parameters it was envisaged that the crevice corrosion temperature of this material may be further advanced and to increase its application within harsher industrial environments. For this reason a series of crevice tests were performed on SDSS heat exchanger tubing both in the as received condition and after various surface treatments. Such modification was carried out by; shot blasting, passivation, pickling and combinations of annealing, shot blasting, pickling and passivation. Results have indicated that the main factor controlling the resistance to crevice corrosion is the level of Cr depletion within a few microns of the steel surface. Although various treatments such as shot blasting and pickling reduce Cr depletion by removal of surface material, the nature of the surface finish itself was not found to affect the corrosion resistance. An increase in Cr content from 20 to 25% within 2 microns of the surface of the tubing was able to increase the crevice corrosion temperature by 20 sub deg. C. (author)