Augmentation of crevice corrosion resistance of medical grade 316LVM stainless steel by plasma carburising

摘要

Precipitate free carbon S-phase was produced on the surface of AISI 316LVM medical grade austenitic stainless steel with the use of low temperature direct current and active screen plasma carburising. The treated and untreated alloy was characterised and tested for pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. From this work it can be concluded that when compared to the untreated material, both treatments augment the pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. Using an active screen set-up results in a better surface composition and a higher crevice corrosion resistance than that produced using the direct current plasma carburising treatment.