Corrosion Behavior of Cr-Mn-Ni Stainless Steel in Acetic Acid Solution

Corrosion behavior of a Cr-Mn-Ni stainless steel designated as J204 (DIN 1.4376) was evaluated in acetic acid (CH₃COOH) solutions by electrochemical methods and boiling immersion tests. Resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) was evaluated using U-bend and slow strain rate tests (SSRT). The influence of acid concentrations, temperature, and chloride ions on the corrosion resistance of the alloy was investigated. J204 stainless steel was found comparable with AISI 304 (UNS S30400) stainless steel in a wide range ofCH₃COOH solutions. The chemistry of the passive film formed in 98% (glacial) CH₃COOH environment was evaluated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This analysis revealed enrichment of Cr ions on the surface in the form of chromium oxide, irrespective of Ni content in the stainless steel.