Metallurgical and Electrochemical characterization of a Supermartensitic Steel

The pitting corrosion of supermartensitic stainless steel (SMSS) was studied in an aqueous solution of 0.1 mol/L NaCl using the scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) and cyclic voltammetry. The SMSS showed 0.9% of retained austenite, as verified by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Cuboidal TiN particles were identified on the steel surfaces, by using optical, scanning electron, and transmission microscopy, associated to Mg-Ca-Al rich precipitates. Pit nucleation was slow and only verified after 24 h, associated to TiN/CaO·MgO·Al2O3 complex inclusions, thus on original interdendritic spaces, where lower Cr content and the presence of inclusions are expected.