Influence of Time on Low Temperature Salt Bath Nitriding and its Corrosion Behavior of 316L ASS in PEMFC Environment

Tandon Vipin Tandon, Awanikumar P. Patil, Ramesh C. Rathod

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Abstract: Austenitic stainless steels (ASSs) offer many advantages over carbon and/or graphite composites for bipolar plates of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, its corrosion resistance in PEMFCs operating conditions is lower. A low temperature (450°C) salt bath nitriding technique for different durations (3, 6 and 12 h) was employed to modify the surface of 316L ASS to enhance its corrosion resistance. The scanning electron microscopy of the transverse sections of nitrided sample reveals a white layer and its thickness increases on increasing nitriding durations. The X-ray photon spectroscopy results show that on nitriding, nitrogen (N) is present in the free form (on 3 h duration) and nitrides (CrN and FexN) precipitates (on 6 and 12 h durations). The corrosion resistance increased on nitridation. The best corrosion resistance was obtained for 3 h nitriding. The corrosion resistance decreases on increasing durations which can be attributed to the formation of nitrides.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)772-779
Number of pages8
JournalProtection of Metals and Physical Chemistry of Surfaces
Volume56
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-07-2020

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Materials Chemistry

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