Investigation of Electrochemical Corrosion of SS316L in Different Electrolyte

Abstract

Corrosion is defined as the destruction of metals and alloys by chemical or electrochemical reaction with its environment. The corrosion occurs because of the normal trend of metals to come back to their thermodynamically stable native state. Corrosion cannot be avoided, but it can be controlled and prevented by using suitable methods like cathodic protection, anodic protection, metallic coating, alloying and using inhibitors, etc. Of these, the application of inhibitors reduces the aggressiveness of the corrosive and unsafe aqueous surroundings and preventing the metal and alloy from corrosion by forming a protective layer over the metal surface. The corrosion behavior of stainless steel and other metals in seawater has been studied by many researchers [1-2]. Stainless steels (316L) have been used successfully in many applications in the marine environment. 316L is considered to be one of the most resistant of stainless steel under marine environments, and it has excellent mechanical properties at elevated temperatures and easy fabricability. It is an important structural material for many industrial units, especially the desalination plants. 316L is the most likely candidate for saline environment applications due to their excellent corrosion resistance.The present work was undertaken to study the corrosion behavior of SS 316L metal in different mediums such as Seawater and calcium chloride (Fig. 1) solution by polarization study. The effect of oxygen or air in the electrolyte solution will also be investigated. Corrosion parameters such as corrosion potential, corrosion current, linear polarization resistance, and corrosion rate will be compared and presented in the meeting.