Origin mechanism of pitting corrosion induced by cerium inclusions

In this paper,the origin mechanism of pitting corrosion induced by Ce_(2)O_(3),Ce_(2)O_(2)S,and CeAlO_(3) inclusions in a microalloyed steel was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron backscattered diffraction,conductivity atomic force microscopy,immersion test,and first-principles calculation.The results show that the Ce_(2)O_(3),Ce_(2)O_(2)S,and CeAlO_(3) inclusions are non-conductive,which are impossible to form corrosion couples with the steel matrix.There are no obvious lattice distortion zones in the steel matrix around the Ce_(2)O_(3),Ce_(2)O_(2)S,and CeAlO_(3) inclusions,so it is difficult to form micro-galvanic corrosion near the Ce inclusion.The order of work functions of the Ce inclusions and the steel matrix from small to large is Ce_(2)O_(2)S<Ce_(2)O_(3)<CeAlO_(3)<steel matrix,which is consistent with their dissolution sequence in the immersion test in _(3).5 wt%NaCl solution.Consequently,it is effective and reliable to use work function to predict or judge the dissolution behaviors of the Ce inclusions or steel matrix in corrosive solution.The Ce_(2)O_(3),Ce_(2)O_(2)S,and CeAlO_(3) inclusions have the tendency of self-dissolution and dissolve preferentially to the steel matrix in the solution by the salt effect,which lead to pitting corrosion of Ce-containing microalloyed steel.