Work

Effects of copper on localized corrosion behavior of stainless steel 304 in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: • Corrosion behaviour of 304Cu was studied with a focus on inclusions and passive films. • Only MnS dissolved during metastable pitting. • Copper dissolution could promote pit formation. Copper (Cu) is often added into stainless steel to enhance their antimicrobial properties, though the effects of Cu on its corrosion resistance remain unclear. To investigate the influence of Cu on pitting behavior of stainless steel 304, a comprehensive study was conducted with electrochemical techniques, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Potentiostatic polarization measurements reveal that the addition of Cu affected the preferential dissolution of inclusions during both metastable and stable pitting. Additionally, Cu addition alters the composition and thickness of passive film, and thereby influenced corrosion behavior of stainless steel 304.

Source: Corrosion Communications

DOI: 10.1016/j.corcom.2026.01.001

Authors: Sucheng Chen, Keping Wang, Wurong Wang, Jingguang Peng, Liya Guo

Institution: Shanghai University

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogen embrittlement and corrosion behaviors in metals

Subfield: Metals and Alloys

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,800

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China