The passive film characterization and anodic polarization behavior of 11% Cr ferritic/martensitic and 15% Cr oxide dispersion strengthened steels in different electrolytic solutions

The ferritic/martensitic (F/M) and oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels are the most promising candidate materials for future nuclear power plants. In the present work, the passive film compositions and its correlation with anodic polarization behavior of 11% Cr F/M and 15% Cr ODS steels was examined in different electrolytic solutions of borate buffer, acidic, acidified chloride and in chloride solution. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the passive film reveals the existence of the layers of Cr2O3 and Fe2O3 and in 15% Cr ODS steel along with Y2O3. The open circuit potential and potentiodynamic anodic polarization measurements show that pitting corrosion resistance is strongly dependent on electrolytic solutions and passive film compositions. The ODS steel indicated increased breakdown potential and wider passive range as compared to F/M steel in chloride containing media. In a non-chloride environment, this difference is not prominent. However, low pitting corrosion resistance of both steels in chloride solutions was attributable to Cl− and microstructural inhomogeneity. The SEM micrographs of surface morphology of corrosion attack showed severe pitting corrosion attack in chloride solutions. The anodic polarization behavior of F/M and ODS steels in different electrolytic solutions was studied for this work in relation to passive film compositions.