Changes in the passive layer of corrugated austenitic stainless steel of low nickel content due to exposure to simulated pore solutions

In this work, changes undergone at the passive layer of a new type of corrugated austenitic stainless steel (low Ni, high Mn 204Cu type) when exposed to solutions simulating that contained in the pores of concrete have been studied. Changes in the nature of the passive layer have been characterized by X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Particular focus has been put on the influence of the presence of chlorides and/or carbonation in the solution. Changes in the passive layer due to the passivation treatment that is often applied to corrugated stainless steels during manufacturing processes have also been considered. The results obtained on the 204Cu type steel have been compared with those obtained on more traditional, high Ni, austenitic AISI 304 grade and duplex SAF 2205 grade. During the immersion in simulated pore solutions, 204Cu type suffers more intense redox processes than other studied stainless steels. Moreover, it shows less Cr-rich protective passive layers in these media. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.