Anodic polarization curves of austenitic steel Super304H in sulphuric acid solution

Polarization curves measured in a sufficiently aggressive environment (e.g. 0.5 mol dm⁻³ of H₂SO₄) may help to assess corrosion resistance of stainless steels. New phases precipitate in steel exposed long-term to high temperatures, which may affect the corrosion resistance. Potentiostatic polarization curves were measured on austenitic steel Super304H in a solution annealed state (from the producer) and in a state aged for 15 000 hours at temperatures of 650, 675 and 700 °C. The higher level of current density in passivity (worse corrosion resistance) was reported after aging at 650 °C.