The pitting corrosion resistance and passive behavior of type 304 borated stainless steels (Febalance–18Cr–12Ni–1.5Mn–(0.19, 0.78, and 1.76 wt %)B) manufactured through conventional ingot metallurgy were investigated. The alloys were composed… Click to show full abstract
The pitting corrosion resistance and passive behavior of type 304 borated stainless steels (Febalance–18Cr–12Ni–1.5Mn–(0.19, 0.78, and 1.76 wt %)B) manufactured through conventional ingot metallurgy were investigated. The alloys were composed of an austenitic matrix and Cr2B phase, and the volume fraction of Cr2B increased from 1.68 to 22.66 vol % as the B content increased from 0.19 to 1.76 wt %. Potentiodynamic polarization tests measured in aqueous NaCl solutions revealed that the pitting corrosion resistance was reduced as the B content increased and the pits were initiated at the matrix adjacent to the Cr2B phase. It was found that the reduced resistance to pitting corrosion by B addition was due to the formation of more defective and thinner passive film and increased pit initiation sites in the matrix.
               
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