Influence of thermal aging on sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)-influenced corrosion behaviour of 2205 duplex stainless steel

Microbiologically-influenced corrosion behaviour of thermally aged 2205 duplex stainless steel in comparison to the as-received material was studied by exposing the coupons for 40 days in chloride medium containing sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Coupons exposed to the sterile medium were used as control. Electrochemical studies suggest a sharp drop in corrosion potential and increase in the anodic current for the coupons exposed to SRB. The austenite phase was found to be selectively attacked in presence of SRB for as-received material. Even though enhanced selective etching of austenite was noticed for thermally aged material, presence of actively corroding locations adjacent to the σ-phase protect the austenite phase.