A Study on Atmospheric Corrosion of 304 Stainless Steel
in a Simulated Marine Atmosphere
The atmospheric corrosion behavior of 304 stainless steel in a simulated marine atmosphere has been
investigated using scanning electron microscope, optical microscope, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
(XPS), and electrochemical measurements. The experimental results indicate that the main corrosion type
of 304 stainless steel in a simulated marine atmosphere is pitting corrosion and the initiation of pits is
associated with the dissolution of MnS inclusion. The maximum pit depth of 304 stainless steel increased in
linear relationship with the extension of corrosion time. XPS results reveal that the corrosion products
possess more hydroxide, and the ratio of [Cr]/{[Cr]+[Fe]} in the corrosion products gradually increases
with the increasing time. The protective ability of corrosion products formed on 304 stainless steel has also
been discussed.