Effect of cathodic polarisation on the corrosion behaviour of 316L stainless steel under static and dynamic conditions

Abstract

AbstractThe role of cathodic polarisation on the corrosion of 316L stainless steel was investigated under static and dynamic conditions. The results reveal that the applied flow regime during the cathodic polarisation process has a direct effect on the corrosion behaviour of steel. The cathodic polarisation of steel under static conditions increases the oxygen reduction rate and shifts the corrosion potential towards nobler potentials. Under dynamic conditions, depending on the regime of the applied fluid flow during cathodic and anodic polarisation, the oxygen reduction rate can increase, causing the corrosion potential of the cathodically polarised steel to shift towards more positive direction. On the contrary, the oxygen reduction rate can decrease and the corrosion potential of the cathodically polarised steel shifts towards more negative potentials.