Title:Techniques for In Situ Corrosion Studies of 316L Stainless Steel in Hydrometallurgical Process Solutions
VOLUME: 3 ISSUE: 1
Author(s):R.J. Power and J. Shirokoff
Affiliation:Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Box 21, SJ Carew Bldg., 4019-300 Arctic Avenue, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, A1B3X5, Canada
Keywords:In situ, optical, potentiodynamic, polarization, SEM-EDS, etching, pitting, inclusions, grain boundaries, aerated,
deaerated, 316L, hydrometallurgical process solutions.
Abstract:A simultaneous in situ optical microscopy and simultaneous electrochemical analysis method is presented for
studying 316L stainless steel in hydrometallurgical process solutions. The electrochemical method involved
potentiodynamic analysis of the 316L stainless steel surface in aerated and deaerated experimental hydrometallurgy
process fluids. This technique is reviewed along with other potentiodynamic methods used in stainless steels, recent
patents on stainless steel technologies, and the results are discussed in conjunction with various theories and applications.
The results illustrate a wide variety of corrosion behaviors (active, passive, anodic knee) and parameters (corrosion rate,
pitting potential, mixed potential, pH) possible for 316L stainless steel under potentiodynamic test conditions. Analysis of
these samples provides both a detailed visual account of the corrosion process in addition to standard electrochemical
analysis regarding pitting potential, corrosion potential and corrosion rate. Polarization data and analysis with respect to
the corrosion patterns observed is presented including in situ images of surface layer changes, etching, pitting and
microstructure. Analysis of copper sulfide inclusions and metal surface film behaviors in solution were performed
showing the tendency of inclusions and film to dissolve and act as nucleation sites for pits. The proprietary experimental
hydrometallurgical process fluids tested further support the ability of in situ optical microscopy to successfully image and
provide valuable insights into the corrosion processes taking place.
