Effect of nitrogen on the corrosion–erosion synergism in an austenitic stainless steel

High temperature gas nitrided AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel containing 0.55 wt% N in solid solution, was corrosion, erosion and corrosion–erosion tested in a jet-like device, using slurry composed of 3.5% NaCl and quartz particles. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the damaged surfaces, mass loss measurements and electrochemical test results were used to understand the effect of nitrogen on the degradation mechanisms. Increasing the nitrogen content improved the corrosion, erosion and corrosion–erosion resistance of the AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel. Smoother wear mark contours observed on the nitrided surfaces indicate a positive effect of nitrogen on the reduction of the corrosion–erosion synergism.