Electrochemical noise measurements on stainless steel during corrosion–wear in sliding contacts

In this study, electrochemical noise measurements performed during corrosion–wear sliding tests with the working electrode coupled to a microelectrode, are presented. A microelectrode was used to record during fretting experiments current variations resulting from a modification of the working electrode induced by sliding. The tribocorrosion system investigated consists of an AISI 304 stainless steel plate sliding in a reciprocating mode against a corundum ball, both immersed in electrolytes of different pH. A detailed discussion of the in situ electrochemical noise measurements demonstrates that they are useful to identify and/or to unravel materials modification processes taking place during corrosion–wear sliding tests on passivating materials.