Original Articles: 2015 Vol: 7 Issue: 6
Corrosion behavior of Austenitic stainless steel 316L and 316LVM after high temperature gas nitriding
Abstract
Austenitic stainless steel 316L and 316LVM are widely used as implant materials due to the good mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. However at highly stressed and oxygen-depleted environment, it still susceptible to corrosion. Various methods have been developed to enhance the corrosion resistance of stainless steel such as high temperature gas nitriding. High temperature gas nitriding for 316L and 316LVM has been successfully done. This process is conducted at temperature 1050, 1100 and 1200oC for 15 and 30minutes before quenching in the water. Polarization corrosion test showed that the corrosion resistance was significant improved for treatment at temperature 1050oC and holding time 15minutes.