The effect of heat treatment and carbon content on the corrosion behaviour of iron—chromium steels in sulphuric acid solutions

Abstract

In this study the corrosion behaviour of iron—chromium steels was investigated. The samples were subjected to heat treatment. The current density—potential curves were obtained in 1 N H2SO4 by electrochemical, potentiodynamic (1 mV min−1), potentiostatic and galvanostatic methods. Corrosion rates were obtained from the extrapolation of anodic and cathodic Tafel lines and using potentiodynamic, potentiostatic and galvanostatic linear polarization techniques with the Stern—Geary equation. It was seen that the effect of chromium on the rate of corrosion varies with the heat treatment method applied and the amount of carbon content.