Comparison of the Pitting Corrosion Resistance of Bainite and Martensite in Fe-0.4C-1.5Si-2Mn Steel

Abstract

Specimens with different microstructures (bainite, as-quenched martensite, and tempered martensite) were fabricated using a Fe-0.4C-1.5Si-2Mn steel sheet, and the pitting corrosion resistances of these microstructures were compared. Retained austenite was barely detected in the X-ray diffraction analysis. The Vickers hardness values of the microstructures were ordered as (high) as-quenched martensite > tempered martensite ≈ bainite in the 325°C-austempered specimen > bainite in the 425°C-austempered specimen (low). The pitting corrosion resistance of each microstructure was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization in boric-borate buffer solutions containing NaCl (pH 8.0) under naturally aerated conditions. The pitting corrosion resistances of the microstructures were ordered as (high) as-quenched martensite > bainite in the 325°C-austempered specimen > tempered martensite > bainite in the 425°C-austempered specimen (low). The lower active dissolution rates of the microstructures were determined to provide superior pitting corrosion resistance.