Non-destructive classical techniques, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and open circuit potential (OCP) measurement, were complemented with advanced techniques, including the scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) and localised electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (LEIS) to examine galvanic effects at welds on carbon steel. The classical techniques indicated that corrosion processes are accelerated in the weld. The advanced techniques revealed admittance values related to more severe corrosion along the weld than in the base metal and higher corrosion currents in the weld. When the weld and base metal are electrically connected, the weld serves as a cathodic protector for the base metal.

Neste trabalho foi avaliada a resistência à corrosão por pites de filmes de óxidos coloridos crescidos sobre aço inoxidável AISI 304 em H2SO4 e H2SO4 + CrO3. A morfologia e topografia dos filmes foram examinadas por MEV (microscopia eletrônica de varredura) e AFM (microscopia de força atômica), respectivamente. As caracterizações eletroquímicas foram conduzidas por curvas de polarização e medidas de impedância em tampão borato pH 9,2. A corrosão por pites foi avaliada por curvas de polarização realizadas na mesma solução contendo NaCl. Todos os filmes coloridos apresentaram valores semelhantes de Epite, mas maiores que dos filmes não coloridos. Os valores de (Epite - Ecor) resultaram no intervalo de 0,45-0,57 V; 0,78-0,92 V e 0,98-1,12 V para filmes nativos e crescidos na presença e ausência de ácido crômico, respectivamente. Portanto, os filmes crescidos sobre o aço na ausência de ácido crômico apresentaram o maior intervalo de potencial livre de corrosão por pites.

In this work, pitting corrosion resistance of coloured oxides films grown on AISI-304 stainless-steel in H2SO4 and H2SO4 + CrO3 was evaluated. Surface morphology and topography of the films were examined by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and AFM (atomic force microscopy), respectively. Electrochemical characterizations were conducted by polarization curves and impedance measurements in borate buffer pH 9.2. The pitting corrosion was evaluated by polarization curves carried out in the same solution containing NaCl. All coloured films presented similar values of Epit, but they were higher than those for non-coloured ones. The values of (Epit - Ecor) were in the range of 0.45-0.57 V, 0.78-0.92 V and 0.98-1.12 V for native films and films grown in the presence and absence of chromic acid, respectively. Therefore, the films grown on stainless steel in the absence of chromic acid presented the highest potential range free of pitting corrosion.