Effect of Plastic Strain on the Electrochemical Behavior of Lean Duplex Uns S32304 Stainless Steel

Abstract

This work aimed at evaluating the effect of pre-strain of Lean Duplex UNS S32304 on anodic dissolution and hydrogen evolution reaction rates in acidic chloride media. Interrupted tensile testing was employed in order to generate different deformation levels. Potentiodynamic experiments allowed to detect a decrease on the cathodic and anodic reaction rates as a consequence of plastic deformation. A non-linear evolution of corrosion rates was observed, probably as a consequence of the evolution of specific dislocation structures in the material. Strain also caused a slight ennoblement of the ferritic phase, while austenite became a little less noble. These behaviors are analyzed in terms of residual stresses, characterized by X-ray diffraction.