Metallic Nitrides For Corrosion Protection In Marine Environments; Theory Compared To Experimental Results

A theoretical and experimental study was conducted to predict and test the corrosion behavior of metallic nitride films on stainless steel. Theoretical prediction of corrosion resistance properties was conducted by the construction and interpretation of Pourbaix Diagrams for metallic nitrides. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was then employed to determine whether the predicted corrosion protection in a marine environment was obtained. This study found that in most cases, the use of Pourbaix Diagrams to predict corrosion resistance on 304 stainless steel gave accurate results and is a useful technique for material selection of nitride/substrate combinations for corrosion resistance.