Electrochemical responses to degradation of the surface layer nano-mechanical properties of stainless steels under cavitation

► Surface layer nano-mechanical properties (Hnano, Enano) were measured with nano-indentation technology. ► Degradation of Hnano and Enano had a significant influence on cavitation corrosion. ► Degradation of Hnano and Enano accelerated electrochemical corrosion. ► This specific peak in the Bode figure can be used as a marker for the occurrence of significant cavitation corrosion.