The composition of the oxide layers formed in stainless steels is fundamental in the corrosion behavior of these materials. Its characterization has been widely studied, but still many questions arise, especially mechanisms of oxide growth and changes in its composition during the film development. This work aimed to study the chemical composition and electrochemical behavior of these films formed in different conditions of substrates de AISI 316L. The work investigated the effect of the number of cycles, scan rate, electrolyte composition and pH in the electrochemical response of the formed oxides. The increase of the scan rate promoted the formation of thinner films, richer in Fe3+ species, mainly hydroxide, with decreased conductivity. The study revealed a pH-dependent film composition, films formed in near neutral solutions presented higher resistivity and higher content of Fe species and traces of Mo compared to films formed in alkaline medium.
cyclic sweep voltammetry (CSV); impedance (EIS); oxide film; stainless steel
