Characterization of Passive Film Formed on AISI 316L Stainless Steel after Magnetoelectropolishing in a Broad Range of Polarization Parameters

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the paper is to present the changes in the surface film composition on AISI 316L stainless steel (SS) after electropolishing (EP) and magnetoelectropolishing (MEP) in a broad range of the process conditions. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy surface analyses were performed to reveal the effect of MEP. The EP process has been performed under natural convection (in a stagnant electrolyte), much above the polarization plateau. A series of experiments were carried out on AISI 316L SS samples in accordance with the five‐level composite rotary statistical plan with the variables being the magnetic field intensity B (mT), and the anodic current density i (A dm −2 ). XP high resolution spectra have been obtained on AISI 316L SS surface concerning Fe 2p, Cr 2p, O 1s, S 2p, P 2p, and C 1s, respectively. The Cr:Fe ratio regarding both metallic M and compound X was also studied and calculated. At the end, the summary results of Cr/Fe = f ( B , i ) in relation to the corrosion potential, have been compared. The conclusions, concerning the selection of MEP process conditions, regarding the optimum Cr/Fe ratio and corrosion behavior, have been formulated. It was found the Cr:Fe ratio well correlates with the pitting corrosion potential. MEP process can modify not only the rate of dissolution to a determined extent, but also control the corrosion behavior and Cr:Fe ratio results.