Effect of pH on corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel in hydrogenated high temperature water

The effect of pH on the corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel (SS) was investigated. The film resistance decreases and the corrosion current density increases as the pH rises from 6.42 to 7.52 for 316L SS. The corrosion rate of 316L SS increases with increasing pH in hydrogenated high temperature water at 300 degrees C. Higher pH reduces the stability of the oxide films and accelerates the dissolution process of the oxides. It is recommended that a proper lower pH in hydrogenated high temperature water can mitigate the corrosion of structural materials.