An Evaluation of the Relative Corrosion Resistance of P/M Stainless Steel Alloys

Interest in the corrosion resistance of sintered P/M stainless steel has increased as a result of the growing use of these materials. However, comprehensive data on the relative corrosion resistance of different materials in aqueous corrosive environments is unavailable. In this study, 40 commercially sintered 300- and 400-series stainless steel compacts of various chemistries, sintering conditions and densities were examined. Specimens immersed in 5% (by weight) NaCl solutions over an extended period of time were examined to measure the percentage of surface area showing rust or stain. Also, the weight loss for die same alloys in a 2% (by volume) H₂SO₄ solution was measured at predetermined time intervals. In both tests, multiple replicas were used. These results were used to rank the relative corrosion resistance of the alloys.