Effect of pitting corrosion on the mechanical properties of 316 grade stainless steel

Abstract Stainless steel, due to its high corrosion resistance finds exhaustive industrial and architectural applications. This resistance to corrosion in stainless steel can be attributed to the presence of about 18% of Chromium. Chromium forms a shining, thin passive film that protects the surface from the external corrosive environment. By increasing chromium and nickel contents, this type of steel becomes increasingly resistant to pitting corrosion. However, higher concentrations of these alloying elements results in lower carbon solubility and carbide segregation. The main objective of accelerated corrosion testing is to simulate the field environment under laboratory conditions. To see the actual effect of corrosion on stainless steel it takes a few years. Therefore, the controlling factors for accelerated corrosion test are similar to those in the field tests.