Influence of surface preparation and microstructure on the passivity and corrosion behaviour of duplex stainless steels

The influence of various surface preparation methods (mechanical polishing, electropolishing and etching) on the passivity and the corrosion behaviour of a duplex stainless steel (UNS S32202) was studied using Auger spectroscopy and the electrochemical microcell technique. From surface analyses, the thickness and chemical compositions (ratios Cr/Fe and O2-/OH-, distribution of chloride and nitrogen) were determined. The corrosion behaviour of samples was investigated from local polarization curves. The presence of oxidation peaks and stable pitting was discussed considering the specimen microstructure and the properties of the passive film.