Comparative corrosion resistance of plasma-based low-energy nitrogen ion implanted austenitic stainless steel

A high nitrogen face-centered-cubic phase (γN) was obtained on the nitrided surface of 1Cr18Ni9Ti austenitic stainless steel by plasma-based low-energy nitrogen ion implantation. No pitting corrosion for the γN phase was confirmed by electrochemical polarization measurement in 3% NaCl solution. The protective passive film with a duplex character, iron hydroxide/oxides in the outer region and chromium hydroxide/oxides and iron oxides accompanying chromium and iron nitrides in the inner region, was by 2–3 times thicker than that of original stainless steel. The thick iron hydroxide/oxides region formed on the chromium hydroxide/oxides region due to the increase of alkalinity in the solution, leading to barrier against penetration of localized attack of the aggressive ions. The equivalent general corrosion resistance for the γN phase was observed in 0.5 mol/l H2SO4 solution relative to the original stainless steel. The passive film formed on the γN phase in 0.5 mol/l H2SO4 solution was similar to that of original stainless steel. The different role of nitrogen was proposed in pitting corrosion resistance and general corrosion resistance of austenitic stainless steel.