Influence of the surface finishing on electrochemical corrosion characteristics of AISI 316L stainless steel

Stainless steels from 316 group are very often and successfully uses for medical applications where the good mechanical and chemical properties in combination with non-toxicity of the material assure its safe and long term usage. Corrosion properties of AISI 361L stainless steel are strongly influenced by surface roughness and treatment of the engineering parts (specimens) and testing temperature. Electrochemical characteristics of ground, mechanically polished and passivated AISI 316L stainless steel specimens were examined with the aim to identify the polarization resistance evolution due to the surface roughness decrease. Results obtained on mechanically prepared specimens where only natural oxide layer created due to the exposure of the material to the corrosion environment was protecting the materials were compared to the passivated specimens with artificial oxide layer. Also the influence of temperature and stabilization time before measurement were taken into account when discussing the obtained results. Positive influence of decreasing surface roughness was obtained as well as increase of polarization resistance due to the chemical passivation of the surface. Increase of the testing temperature and short stabilization time of the specimen in the corrosion environment were observed negatively influencing corrosion resistance of AISI 316L stainless steel