Characterization of the Passive Film and Corrosion of Martensitic AM355 Stainless Steel.

Electrochemistry methods were used to investigate the influence of pH on the passive film and corrosion behavior of ultrahigh strength AM355 stainless steel in chloride-containing media. Analysis of the Pourbaix diagram indicates that AM355 stainless steel exhibits higher corrosion resistance in natural and near-natural environments than that in acidic and alkaline conditions. Electrochemistry measurements and composition analysis of the passive film show that pitting potential increased due to the enhanced repassivation capacity of AM355 stainless steel with increasing pH. The mixed MnS/oxide inclusions are the main pitting sensitive locations under all conditions. Morphological observations and energy-dispersive spectroscopy showed that the influence of the gap between the martensitic laths is significant with increasing pH. The inclusions, element concentrations, and microstructures weaken the resistance of ultrahigh-strength martensitic AM355 stainless steel against corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]