Corrosion properties of a complex multi‐phase martensitic stainless steel depending on the tempering temperature

Abstract

In this work, the corrosion resistance of X190CrVMo20‐4‐1 martensitic stainless steel and the hardness are correlated with the tempering temperature. The steel was hardened from a typical austenitisation temperature, quenched in oil and tempered up to 600 °C. The corrosion resistance was investigated by means of electrochemical tests, in both 5% sulphuric acid and in 3% sodium chloride. Static immersion tests were performed in H 2 SO 4 only. The best compromise for a high hardness and corrosion resistance is found for tempering between 100 and 200 °C. The data obtained can be used for designing and application of this steel.