A critical review of the recent advances in inclusion-triggered localized corrosion in steel

Localized corrosion triggered by inclusions is prone to metallic material failure. Except for chemical dissolution of some special inclusions, the principle of galvanic coupling is the most acceptable theory to explain the above corrosion damage mechanism over the past decades. Still, controversies continue to present, in particular, mounting recent evidence obtained by advanced technologies emphasizes the limitations of previous entrenched idea and discloses unexpected results. Here, we review relevant recent studies and carefully summarize their similarities and differences to reduce the knowledge gap between inclusion-triggered localized corrosion and material design, whilst the source of typical inclusions is treated and discussed.

Automated summary

Localized corrosion caused by inclusions is a major cause of metallic material failure. The galvanic coupling theory has been widely accepted as the explanation for this corrosion damage mechanism, except for the chemical dissolution of some specific inclusions. However, recent evidence obtained through advanced technologies has sparked controversies and revealed unexpected results, challenging the previous entrenched ideas.