Effect of Microalloy Elements on Corrosion Resistance of High-Chromium-Containing Ferritic Stainless Steels in Chloride Solutions

The effects of inclusions on corrosion resistance of high-Cr-containing ferritic steels were studied using electrochemical tests (anodic polarization and electrochemical noise [EN]) and a ferric chloride (FeCl3) test in chloride solution. For this purpose, the inclusion type and size in the matrix was controlled by the selective addition of alloying elements, their contents, and pickling treatment. Large inclusions such as titanium nitride (TiN), though chemically stable, caused surface cracks at the inclusion/matrix interface during mechanical treatments and decreased pitting corrosion resistance. Soluble inclusions located at the interface were preferentially attacked to form crevices even if the inclusions were as small as a submicron. Meanwhile, submicron inclusions such as Nb, C, or N did not affect pitting corrosion resistance. Unlike the chemical compositions and shape of inclusion, the surface area covered by inclusions did not affect pitting corrosion resistance. Hence, the main factor affecting corrosion resistance was the presence of a crevice, whether it was formed by dissolution or mechanical damage, and not the number of inclusions. EN testing revealed that the experimental alloys deoxidized by Si were more resistant to initial pitting corrosion resistance than those deoxidized by Al, though many steel manufacturers deoxidize stainless steels by Al. The discrepancy was attributed to the difference of the chemical stability and the feasability of crack formation depending on inclusion.