Corrosion Behaviour of TiC Particle-reinforced 304 Stainless Steel in Simulated Marine Environment at 650°C

Abstract

Corrosion behaviour of 304SS and TiC-reinforced 304SS in simulated marine environment at 650°C, compared with that of 304SS in air, has been investigated. The corrosion of 304SS in marine environment is more severe than that in air due to the effect of NaCl and water vapor. For TiC-304SS, a finer microstructure and higher dislocation density formed by TiC addition accelerates chromium diffusion. The formation of TiO₂ by the oxidation of TiC possibly assists chromia nucleation and increases the adhesion of chromia scale. As a result, corrosion resistance is increased. However, the corrosion rate of 304SS-6TiC is faster than that of 304SS-2TiC and the possible reason to cause this is discussed.