Effect of deformation‐induced martensite on the pit propagation behavior of 304 stainless steel

Specimens of 304 stainless steel with various martensite contents were prepared by a low temperature (−70°C) elongation method. Optical microscopy and transmission electron micrography were used to study the phase structure of the samples. A simulated occluded cell (OC) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to study the chemical and the electrochemical changes within pits on 304 stainless steel containing the different martensite contents. The EIS results showed that the martensite phase decreased not only the solution resistance in pit, but also the polarization resistance value between metal and solution in pit. The composition of the passive film in OC solution was studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was observed that martensite transformation was a very important factor in changing the composition of the passive film. The martensite phase destroyed the integrality and compactness of the passive film. For these reasons, pit propagation in Type 304 stainless steel was accelerated with increasing martensite content.