Effect of sulphide on the corrosion behaviour of AISI 316L stainless steel and its constituent elements in simulated Kraft digester conditions

The electrochemical behaviour of AISI 316L steel and its constituent metals in simulated Kraft digester white liquor at 170 degrees C has been studied by registering slow scan rate voltammograms and impedance spectra at the corrosion potential. Interpretation of the results in terms of two approaches - the Mixed-Conduction Model for passive films and a two-step dissolution reaction - allowed for the estimation of corrosion currents and polarisation resistances as depending on the material and electrolyte medium. Tentative conclusions on the effect of sulphur-containing species in the white liquor on the corrosion mechanism of the studied materials are drawn. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.