Evaluation of 316L Stainless Steel Corrosion Resistance in Solution Simulating the Acid Hydrolysis of Biomass

Abstract

The corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel in 65 wt % ethanol, 35 wt % water, 1 wt % H(2)SO(4) solution containing different NaCl concentrations and at different temperatures was investigated using open circuit potential measurements, polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. At 25 degrees C, the minimum NaCl concentration required for occurrence of pitting was 0.58 wt %. In 0.35 wt % NaCl solution, localized corrosion was observed at temperatures higher than 40 degrees C and, depending on the potential, metastable or stable pits were observed. No pits were observed below 40 degrees C in 0.35 wt % NaCl solution. (C) 2011 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3554728] All rights reserved.