Electrochemical corrosion behavior of type 444 stainless steel in synthetic tap water at different temperatures

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the electrochemical corrosion behavior of type 444 stainless steel (SS) in synthetic tap water from 25°C to 80°C, i.e. the operation environment of the electric water heater.

Design/methodology/approach

The corrosion behavior was studied by using electrochemical measurements such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization curve. The specimen surfaces were observed with scanning electron microscopy. The passive films were characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Findings

In the typical tap water, 444 SS passivates spontaneously under different temperatures. The passive films formed at higher temperatures contain relatively less Cr-species and more Cl⁻ ions, resulting in lower polarization resistances. The stable pitting corrosion takes place in the potential region of oxygen evolution as the temperature increases to about 55°C. The critical Cl⁻ concentration of pitting corrosion reduces from about 160 mg L⁻¹ to 60 mg L⁻¹ with changing temperature from 25°C to 80°C.

Practical implications

The pitting corrosion probability was assessed through the statistical analysis of tap water quality. The results are useful for the application of 444 SS as well as the design of electric water heater.

Originality/value

This paper shows the variation of polarization resistance, pitting potential, passive film composition and critical pitting chloride concentration with the temperature of tap water. It is of great significance for the development and application of SS in tap water environments.

Citation

Zhang, M., Xu, R., Liu, L., Xin, S. and Li, M. (2020), "Electrochemical corrosion behavior of type 444 stainless steel in synthetic tap water at different temperatures", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 67 No. 4, pp. 407-414. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-02-2020-2262