Corrosion properties of S-phase layers formed on medical grade austenitic stainless steel

The corrosion properties of S-phase surface layers formed in AISI 316LVM (ASTM F138) and High-N (ASTM F1586) medical grade austenitic stainless steels by plasma surface alloying with nitrogen (at 430 degrees C), carbon (at 500 degrees C) and both carbon and nitrogen (at 430 degrees C) has been investigated. The corrosion behaviour of the S-phase layers in Ringer's solutions was evaluated using potentio-dynamic and immersion corrosion tests. The corrosion damage was evaluated using microscopy, hardness testing, inductive coupled plasma mass spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The experimental results have demonstrated that low-temperature nitriding, carburising and carbonitriding can improve the localised corrosion resistance of both industrial and medical grade austenitic stainless steels as long as the threshold sensitisation temperature is not reached. Carburising at 500 degrees C has proved to be the best hardening treatment with the least effect on the corrosion resistance of the parent alloy.