The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of different pH values and chloropropene flow rates on the erosion-corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel. The influence of various factors on the surface morphology was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffractometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. The results revealed that at a pH value of 3.2 and a chloropropene flow rate of 2.20 m/s, soluble transition metal complexes (ferrocene) were observed on the sample surface, which enhanced the erosion-corrosion process by interacting with corrosion products. With an increase in flow velocity and decrease in pH value, the protective resin coating on the sample surface deteriorated, leading to an oxygen concentration difference between exposed and resin-protected areas of the metal substrate. This resulted in localized oxidation-reduction reactions at these sites, forming metal hydroxides (such as FeOOH and Cr(OH)3). Therefore, analyzing the effects of flow rate and pH on the erosion-corrosion of 316L stainless steel is of great significance for improving production efficiency, ensuring safety measures, and environmental protection.
Keywords: 316L stainless steel; complex; erosion–corrosion; pitting.