The effect of the buffer solution composition on the corrosion resistance of super 13Cr martensitic stainless steels is studied. It is widely recognized that the SSC susceptibility of 13Cr stainless steels depends on the H2S partial pressure and pH in the solution. To control the pH value, buffered solutions are defined in NACE TM0177-96 (solution B) and EFC publications to simulate the actual field conditions in the laboratory tests under normal pressure. However, with some modifications of the buffer agents, there were some cases that the discoloring of the specimen was observed and the pitting occurred with the larger corrosion rate in some test conditions. Therefore, the corrosion resistance of super 13Cr stainless steels are considered to be influenced by the composition of the buffer solution. That is, the corrosion resistance of the steel depend on the concentration of CH3COONa/CH3COOH included in the test solution as the buffer agent, even in the same pH. The super 13Cr steel was not passivated in the
buffer solution including 0.4 wt% CH3COONa adjusted pH 3.5 with CH3COOH recommended in NACE TM0177. Cr was detected in the solution, and it is considered that the..
Keywords: Martensitic stainless steel, Hydrogen sulfide, Corrosion resistance, pH, Buffer solution.