Achieving superior corrosion resistance in an austenitic stainless steel with hierarchical microstructure
摘要
In this study, a multi-scale grain distribution was achieved in 0Cr17Ni13Mo5 super austenitic stainless steel through severe cold rolling followed by annealing at temperatures ranging from 500 to 1000 °C. The effects of this hierarchical microstructure on corrosion resistance were systematically investigated. The results show that the sample annealed at 1000 °C exhibits the best corrosion resistance, with a corrosion potential (Ecorr) of − 0.12 VSCE, a corrosion current density (jcorr) of 7 × 10−8 A/cm2, and a polarization resistance (Rt) of 1,022,600 Ω·cm2. Mott–Schottky analysis confirms that the 1000 °C annealed sample had the lowest donor density and the slowest corrosion rate, further supporting its superior corrosion resistance. This enhancement is primarily attributed to the formation of a bimodal grain structure, which facilitates the diffusion of Cr atoms toward the corroded surface, promoting the formation of a thicker passive film. In addition, annealing at 1000 °C reduces the precipitation of σ-phase at grain boundaries. Furthermore, the higher fractions of Σ CSL boundaries and Σ3 twin boundaries contribute to improved resistance to intergranular corrosion.