Effect of Zn injection on established surface oxide films on 316 L stainless steel in borated and lithiated high temperature water

The influence of Zn injection on established film on 316 L stainless steel exposed to high temperature water up to 4000 h at 573.15 K has been investigated by SEM, EDX, XPS, XRD and Raman spectrum. It was found that the initial water chemistry played a key role on the characteristics of surface oxide films. The films become more compact with increasing exposure time in the Zn-injection solution. The thermodynamics and kinetics of existing stable oxides have been considered to evaluate evolving procedure of the established film. A modified model for oxide films structure is proposed and discussed.

► Water chemistry plays a significant role at the initial stage of oxidation.
► Beneficial effect could be obtained for stable oxides after long-term Zn injection.
► Thermodynamics and kinetics of existing oxides are considered with Zn injection.
► A modified double layer model for oxide film structure is proposed and discussed.