The corrosion mechanism of 1Cr18Ni9Ti alloy used for an underwater craft component

Purpose - An engine component made from 1Cr18Ni9Ti alloy to be used underwater was the subject of the present research investigation. Design/methodology/approach - A stereomicroscope, a metallurgical microscope, a microhardness tester and an electron energy dispersion spectroscope were used to observe cross-sections of the alloy's microstructure at different locations, as well as its overall corrosion behavior. Findings - The corrosion of the 1Cr18Ni9Ti alloy, attributed to welding, cold processing and plastic deformation processes, was investigated together with an analysis of the chemical composition of the corrosion products and microsclerometry of the cross-sections. It was revealed that defects such as shrinkage cavities and porosity, often were observed to occur in the welding fusion zone. During cold processing treatments, work hardening was induced in the surface layer. Corrosion products consisted of oxides, chlorides and sulfides, with oxides as the dominant component. The high chromium content of d-ferrite had resulted in chromium depletion in nearby phase boundaries, which had led to oxidation and corrosion at these boundaries. As the electrode potential of d-ferrite is different to that of austenite, it is possible for a galvanic couple to develop between the two phases, leading to differential rates of corrosion attack. Originality/value - Methods are proposed to improve corrosion resistance by improving the quality of the surface overlaying processes and by adopting special surface treatment techniques.