Reconstruction of the Passive Layer of AISI 304 and 316 Steel After Scratching
Author Information
Author(s): Charazińska Sylwia, Sikora Andrzej, Malczewska Beata, Lochyński Paweł
Primary Institution: Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences
Hypothesis
The study aims to compare changes in the rate of passive layer reconstruction and discuss the effect of material type and electrochemical treatment on the reconstruction of the passive layer for stainless steel 304 and 316.
Conclusion
The passive layer of AISI 304 and 316 steels can reconstruct after scratching, with reconstruction times ranging from 1 to 3 hours, influenced by the level of contamination in the electropolishing process.
Supporting Evidence
- The passive layer reconstruction time was approximately 2 hours for both as-received and electropolished samples.
- Electropolishing increased the chromium/iron ratio in the passive layer.
- AFM measurements showed that the passive layer thickness could change by a few to several nanometers during reconstruction.
Takeaway
When you scratch stainless steel, it can heal itself by rebuilding a protective layer, and this study looked at how fast that happens for two types of stainless steel.
Methodology
The study used AFM and XPS techniques to evaluate the dynamics of passive layer reconstruction after scratching stainless steel samples under controlled conditions.
Limitations
The study does not specify the exact sample size or the environmental conditions during the experiments.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website