Abstract
The 18-8 stainless steel, which is widely used for flat springs for communication equipments, is subjected to annealing treatments after cold rolling for the purpose of improving the characteristics of the springs. Oxide films are formed by these treatments. Accordingly, the steel was heat-treated at temperatures in the range of 300-800°C after cold rolling, and the stability of oxide films formed on its surface was investigated by potentiostatic method. As the results, it was found that the films formed at below 400°C and above 700°C were stable, while those formed in the range of 400-700°C were unstable.
