Effects of alloy and solution chemistry on the fracture of passive films on austenitic stainless steel

The Taguchi analysis method was used to simultaneously study the effects of alloy chemistry, pH, and halide ion concentrations on the fracture of electrochemically grown passive films using a nanoindentation technique. Three austenitic stainless steels, 304L, 316L, and 904L were potentiostatically polarized in hydrochloric acid solutions. The fracture load was dominated primarily by alloy chemistry. Passive films mechanically weaken as the atomic iron concentration increases in the film. Prolonged anodic ageing time increases the fracture load of passive films.