The abrasive corrosion behavior of plasma-nitrided alloy steels in chloride environments

摘要

Both corrosion and abrasive corrosion behavior of plama-nitrided type 304 and 410 stainless steels and 4140 low alloy steel were investigated in 3% NaCl solution (pH=6.8) by electrochemical corrosion measurements. Surface morphology and alloying elements after corrosion and abrasion corrosion tests were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis of X-rays. The results indicated that the plasma-nitrided SAE 4140 steel containing ε-(Fe,Cr)_(2-3)N and γ'-(Fe,Cr)_(4)N surface nitrides which produce a thick and dense protective layer exhibited a significant decrease of corrosion currents by inhibition of the anodic dissolution of iron, whereas the plasma-nitrided type 304 and 410 stainless steels containing the segregation of chromium nitride CrN exhibited an extensive pitting corrosion by acceleration of the anodic dissolution of iron. It is concluded that the susceptibility to pitting is consistent with the degree of chromium segregation, and decreases as follows: 304 stainless steel>410 stainless steel>4140 steel. Also, the results of abrasive corrosion testing for the plasma-nitrided alloys are strongly related to the subtleties of the nitrided microstructures resulting in a pitting and spalling type of abrasive corrosion of type 304 and 410 stainless steels, and excellent abrasive corrosion resistance for SAE 4140 steel.