Papers by Author: Young Sik Kim

Abstract: Lean duplex stainless steels have been developed in Korea for the purpose of being used in the seawater systems of industries. The flow velocity of some part of seawater systems in nuclear power plants is high and damages of components from corrosion are severe. Therefore, this environment requires using high strength and high corrosion resistant steels. The newly developed lean duplex stainless steels STS329LD(20.3Cr-2.2Ni-1.4Mo) and STS329J3L(22.4Cr-5.7Ni-3.6Mo) are evaluated for the compatibility in seawater systems of nuclear power plants. In this study, the physical & mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of two alloys were quantitatively evaluated in comparison with commercial stainless steel 316L. Microstructures and mechanical properties of them were analyzed and the electrochemical properties related to corrosion resistance were measured such as pitting potential, passive current density, and corrosion rates from Tafel analysis. Critical pitting temperatures were measured in accordance with ASTM G48E method. The pitting initiation time and lifetime for replacement were predicted from the PRE values of test alloys and empirical equations that have been formulated from the condenser tubes of a nuclear power plant.

Abstract: This work focused on the effect of Co content on the corrosion resistance of high pitting resistance equivalent (PRE), super ferritic, Ni-free stainless steels in simulated biosolutions. The effect of Co in Ni-free alloys was evaluated by cytotoxicity test. Anodic polarization test and AC impedance measurement were performed to evaluate the effect of Co on corrosion resistance of the alloys. The cytotoxicity test result for 4 experimental alloys shows non-cytotoxic but mild cytotoxic for 316L stainless steel due to relatively poor corrosion resistance. However, the effect of Co on the passivity was positive in bio-solution but it was negative in acidic chloride solution.

Abstract: In general, thermal treatment at 500oC ~ 900oC ranges depending upon alloy composition of stainless steels can sensitize the steels and promote the intergranular cracking, and their intergranular corrosion resistance is decreased. These behaviors seem to be related to the change of microstructures. So, heat treatment at that temperature range should be avoided in fabrication, especially welding of stainless steels. In this work, it is focused on the effect of thermal treatment on caustic stress corrosion cracking of super austenitic stainless steel - S32050 The low temperature thermal treatment increased greatly the resistance to caustic SCC than those of annealed specimen. This enhancement might be closely related to the reduction of residual stress and slightly large grain, but its resistance was not affected by the anodic polarization behavior.

Abstract: There is a need to destroy both military and civilian hazardous waste and urgency, mandated by public concern over traditional waste handling methodologies, to safe and efficient alternative technologies. One very effective process for the destruction of such waste is supercritical water oxidation (SCWO). Nevertheless, corrosion of the materials of fabrication is a serious concern. This work intends to obtain the fundamental data for developing the corrosion resistant steel for the construction of SCWO system. The effects of various factors on the corrosion resistance of flat, welded, and U-bend 316L stainless steels in Trimsol solution were studied. Corroded product on surface was composed of multi-layer with oxides and salts, and dealloying was observed. Major corrosion phenomena of 316L stainless steel under SCWO condition were intergranular corrosion, pitting corrosion, SCC, and erosion corrosion. This work focused on the elucidation of corrosion mechanism of 316L stainless steel in SCWO environment.

Abstract: Super stainless steel has been used to solve corrosion problems of biomaterials because it shows the excellent corrosion resistance as like Ti and Ti alloys and has better mechanical properties than Ti and Ti alloys. We designed high Mo and Ni bearing super austenitic stainless steel. To obtain desirable microstructure, Cr, Ni, Mo, N contents were controlled. This work focused on the role of alloying elements on cytotoxic behavior and corrosion of stainless steel. In acidic chloride solution, when the alloys had high PRE values, the alloys showed high pitting resistance and low critical current density. However, in Hanks’ solution, the higher PRE’s alloys showed high critical passive current density. Namely, it was revealed that EDTA among Hanks’ solution played an important role to increase the critical passive current density of high Mo and Ni bearing super stainless steels, regardless of PRE’s value of the alloys. Therefore, even if the PRE values of the alloys were higher, high Ni and Mo bearing alloys would reveal more cytotoxic and high metal ion release rate than 316L stainless steel.