Abstract
In this study, the effect of applied stress on the initiation of localized corrosion and morphology transition from pits to cracks for sensitized 304 stainless steel were investigated in aqueous MgCl2 solutions. Anodic polarization curves for pre-strained specimens and electrochemical noise responses such as open circuit potential and galvanic current between stressed and unstressed specimens were measured. Anodic polarization curves for sensitized 304 stainless steel revealed that initiation of pitting corrosion were enhanced on the pre-strained samples. From the results of the electrochemical noise responses, initiation of localized corrosion were promoted on the specimens to which the stress was applied in 2 M MgCl2 solution. The morphology transition from pits to cracks was observed when plastic strain was applied during the growth of pitting corrosion.
