The role of N in passivation of austenitic stainless steels

Nitrogen is well known for its ability to improve the pitting and crevice corrosion resistance of stainless steels. However, it was concluded from previous works that nitrogen has no influence on the primary passivation behaviour of the steel. Instead it enhances repassivation of initiated pits. The aim of this paper is to describe the influence of nitrogen on the corrosion properties of austenitic stainless steels in hydrochloric acid. A model for the synergistic effect between Mo and N is suggested.