Crevice Corrosion Studies on Corrosion Resistant Alloys in Stagnant Natural Seawater

Abstract

Crevice corrosion (CC) was investigated for a number of selected corrosion resistant alloys in natural seawater containing microorganisms for up to 18 months under stagnant conditions. Experimental controls consisted of tests in natural seawater filtered in accordance with hydrostatic testing procedures. The corrosion potential of alloys was monitored throughout exposure and corrosion was evaluated by weight loss and 3D optical microscopy. CC was initiated on several alloys and corrosion rates in time indicated a positive effect of seawater filtration on the long-term performance of the alloys. Microbial adhesion, as indicated by fluorescence microscopy, occurred mainly outside the crevice and differed according to the nature of the substratum surface.