Procedures for Corrosion Testing and Corrosion Failure Analysis

Abstract

Abstract The corrosion resistance of components made of high alloyed steels is mainly determined by the in-service condition. But also the “manufacturing history” of the components influences the corrosion resistance. The whole chain of manufacturing, in terms of the influence of microstructure, internal stresses, and surface condition plays thereby an important role. For these reasons, welding with its local high heat input, the modification of the chemical composition of the weld and the cast-like structure of the weld has also a very strong influence on the corrosion behaviour. To describe these influences on the corrosion resistance of the components standardized corrosion tests and also electrochemical test methods can be used. This article explains how such test methods can be used for evaluation of the corrosion resistance of welds and for failure analysis.