Evaluation of passive film behaviour of super austenitic stainless steels at different potential regions using dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Potentiodynamic anodic polarisation and dynamic electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (DEIS) measurements were carried out on 316L stainless steel and alloys 926 and 31 in natural seawater in order to assess the crevice corrosion resistance. DEIS measurements were performed over a wide range of potentials covering the corrosion potential, passive region, breakdown region and dissolution region. The impedance measurements in potentiodynamic conditions clearly reveal the changes that occur in the passive layer with change in potential. The impedance spectra at different potential regions were also discussed elaborately. The surface morphology of the alloy after crevice corrosion was studied using optical microscope and atomic force microscopy.