The Synthesis and Electrochemical Behavior of High-Nitrogen Nickel-Free Austenitic Stainless Steel

A new smelting method to synthesize high-nitrogen nickel-free austenitic stainless steel was suggested. The synthesized steel completely consists of austenite and represents more brilliant anti-corrosion ability both in salt solution and sulfuric acid solution. The brilliant anti-corrosion ability is retained even after severe cold-rolling deformation, which ensures its workability in practice. The potentiodynamic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and passivating treatment were used to characterize its corrosion properties and uncover its corrosion mechanism in salt solution. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to clarify the mechanism of passivation. The results demonstrate that the steel has a more uniform and thicker passive film than traditional stainless steel due to the cooperation of nitrogen and chromium.