Structure of corrosion resistance on H13 steels with titanium and carbon implantation

The electrochemical behavior of H13 steels implanted with titanium and carbon ions using MEVVA ion implantation was investigated. Anodic polarization measurement in acetic acid and sodium acetate solution was used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of steels before and after implantation. Lower corrosion current density and wider passive region were obtained on the implanted specimens. The saturated corrosion current density for implanted specimens decreased by 60-88%; of that of unimplanted specimens in multi-polarization tests, indicating that the corrosion rate of the implanted surface was much lower. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the pit density was lower on the surface of implanted specimens. The corrosion resistance was clearly improved after implantation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.