Dissolution and redistribution behavior of Cu-rich phase: Implications for corrosion resistance in Cu-bearing duplex stainless steel in chloride media

Abstract

In this study, the dissolution and redistribution behaviors of the Cu-rich phases were investigated to determine their effect on the corrosion resistance of Cu-bearing 2205 duplex stainless steels. This investigation revealed the presence of Cu-rich phases with varying precipitation modes in ferrite and austenite, as well as a decrease in corrosion resistance as their size increased. The Cu-rich precipitate was preferentially dissolved compared to the steel matrix. A corrosion-product layer was formed on the surface of the alloy. The Volta potential difference between the Cu-bearing corrosion products and the matrix was lower than that between the Cu-rich phase and the matrix. This reduction in the potential difference enhanced the corrosion/passive film stability and improved the corrosion resistance of the alloy.