Element-resolved electrochemical analysis of the passivity of additively manufactured stainless steel 316L

The dissolution and passivation behavior of additively manufactured stainless steel 316L (AM-316L) prepared via selective laser melting was studied in quiescent 0.6 M NaCl. In a detailed comparison with the wrought stainless steel 316L (W-316L), it was determined via mass spectroelectrochemistry and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), that AM-316L exhibited a unique passive film relative to W-316L, resulting in a lower dissolution rate. The dissolution and enrichment of all alloying elements at open circuit potential and during polarisation were studied and elaborated.

Automated summary

The study found that additively manufactured stainless steel 316L prepared via selective laser melting exhibited a lower dissolution rate in sodium chloride solution compared to wrought stainless steel 316L, mainly due to its unique passive film. The research also elaborated on the dissolution and enrichment behavior of alloying elements at different potentials.