Removing of sulfide corrosion layers by an arc plasma process

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, the removal of the sulfide layer formed on an FV(520)B stainless steel in the simulated environment of air compressor blade service conditions in a reaction kettle by arc plasma was investigated to explore the mechanism and technology of the sulfide layer removed by arc plasma from a blade surface. The sulfide lattice energy is studied by using the Born Haber cycle. Besides, the energy balance of the removal process is calculated. The treated surface morphology of samples was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer. The results indicate that the energy of the arc spot is enough to evaporate the sulfide film. Due to the different electronic work functions, an arc spot is first formed on the sulfide film, and then the voltage signal is segmented during the removal process. The voltage signal in the removal process can remove sulfide without harming the metal matrix. Besides, the increase in current can improve the removal efficiency and the surface roughness of the sample. It can be revealed, by analyzing the surface composition of samples with different currents, that the sulfur content is very low, indicating that it is feasible to remove the sulfide layer by arc spot plasma.