The influence of niobium on corrosion resistance to 0.5M H2SO4 of 17% Cr ferritic stainless steels, to which it was added in amounts larger than that necessary to stabilize the interstitial elements, was investigated. Their performance was compared to that of other two Fe-17%Cr alloys, one without additions and another containing 0.93% molybdenum. Through weight and electrochemical measurements and through morphologic examination of corroded surface it was found that the corrosion of these alloys, with the exception of that containing molybdenum, proceeds in two different steps. In the first step (up to about 60 min) the corrosion rate practically does not change with time, the lower rates being displayed by alloys containing larger amounts of Nb. In the second stage the corrosion rate increases with time. The corrosion rate of Mo containing alloy is constant for all times.
ferritic stainless steel UNS 43000; generalized corrosion; sulfuric acid; niobium additions