Corrosion of stainless steels

Abstract

Although it is unreasonable to assume that technology will eventually eliminate all corrosion, it is of vital importance to note that many problems could be avoided through failure analysis and corrosion-preventive design. Laboratory analysis and testing often prove to be a wise investment in preventing potential corrosion problems in stainless steels. This article discusses important corrosion modes in stainless steels, including general, pitting, galvanic, and microbiologically induced corrosion, as well as stress corrosion cracking. It also includes descriptions of failure analysis techniques, including visual and stereomicroscopic examination, chemical analysis, metallographic examination, scanning electron microscopy, immersion testing, and electrochemical corrosion testing.