Effect of Sulphur and Manganese on Nucleation of Corrosion Pits in Iron

A study has been made of the effect of sulphur and manganese concentrations in iron on its tendency to pitting in a buffered potassium chloride solution. As revealed by electron microprobe and microscopic examinations, (Mn, Fe)Sx inclusions are the main sources of pit nucleation. Corrosion most frequently starts within the boundary region between the inclusion and the passive metal. Electrochemical investigations have shown that the critical pitting potential of the alloys under investigation, irrespective of S content, is lower than the corresponding value for ultra-pure iron. Mn has a dual effect on fhe resistance of Fe to pitting: it slightly increases the critical pitting potential, but it forms the sulphide inclusions at which the pits nucleate.