Preparation and corrosion resistance of low temperature thermal diffusion layer on stainless steel

Preparation technology as well as corrosion behavior research methods for low temperature thermal diffusion layer on stainless steel were summarized, the state-of-the-arts of the preparation and corrosion behavior characterization of the thermal diffusion layers were analyzed. The results indicate that there are only few researches conducted to corrosion behavior studies of the low temperature thermal diffusion layer (such as low temperature nitriding, carburizing and nitrocarburizing, and so on) on stainless steels (especially for martensite stainless steel), and the research methods are mainly based on common polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, comparing with the plentiful studies on their mechanical properties. With the successful application of low temperature thermal diffusion technology on the surface modification of stainless steel and the expansion of their application area, it is imperative to study the corrosion behavior of the low temperature thermal diffusion layer on stainless steel and exactly reveal the corrosion mechanisms of the modified layer with the aid of new theories as well as new research methods in corrosion research field.