Investigation of microbiologically influenced corrosion of high nitrogen nickel-free stainless steel by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

High nitrogen nickel-free stainless steel (nickle-free HNS) has been widely used in recent years because of its strong corrosion resistance. However, little is known on its resistance to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). This study investigated the MIC behavior of nickel-free HNS in the presence of marine aerobe Pseudomonas aeruginosa. A 14-day corrosion test demonstrated that the HNS had a largest pit depth of 16.2 mu m, over three times deeper than that of the abiotic control coupon (4.7 mu m). Electrochemical tests and surface morphology examination confirmed that HNS was susceptible to MIC. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.