Improved corrosion resistance properties of CSS-42 L alloy fabricated by strengthening grinding process

The present study focuses on the influence of the strengthening grinding process (SGP) on the corrosion resistance of CSS-42L alloy. To this end, the surface and cross-sectional characteristics of samples before and after SGP treatment were examined. In this regard, the surface morphology, roughness, microstructure, and phase content were analyzed. The results demonstrate a dense surface layer and a high surface roughness in SGP-treated samples. Through electrochemical and salt spray tests, it is confirmed that SGP treatment for 3 and 6 minutes improves the corrosion resistance of samples. It was found that the highest corrosion resistance can be achieved after SGP treatment for 6 minutes. The enhanced corrosion resistance of the SGP-treated samples originates from the synergistic effects of various factors, including surface roughness, dislocation density, the presence of compressive residual stress, the precipitation of Cr-phases, and the deformation of a dense surface layer.