Experimental Investigation of Corrosion Causes on AISI 304 SS Alloy in 3.5% NaCl2 Solution within Steam Autoclave Chamber and Room Temperature

Abstract

Stainless Steel Is Material Widely Used In Industry Because Of Their Good Mechanical And Corrosion Resistance Properties. Although This Material Is Corrosive Resistance, When Exposed To Highly Aggressive Environment, Corrosion Affects Performance Of Materials. The Objective Of This Research Is To Identify The Primary Causes Of Corrosion Initiation And Progression In Ss304 Within A Steam Autoclave, With A Focus On Available Machine At National Veterinary Institute (Nvi). The Methodology Involved Immersion Tests Of Ss304Samples In Pure Water, Hard Water, And Sodium Chloride (Nacl2) Solutions At Room Temperature And In Steam Autoclave Temperature For 72 Hours, 120hurs And 168hoursExposure Time. Additionally, Analysis Of Corrosion Products From Samples Cut Out Of The Autoclave Chamber Was Performed To Study Corrosion Oxide Composition. Analytical Techniques Such As Weight Loss Measurements, Sem, Xrd, And Optical Microscopy Were Employed To Investigate The Corrosion Mechanisms. Results Indicated That Type Of Solution, Its Condition, And The Duration Of Exposure All Have A Significant Impact On The Corrosion Rate And Weight Loss Of Ss304. Higher Salinity, Such As In A 3.5% Nacl2 Solution, Results In Increased Susceptibility, With A Corrosion Rate Of 0.0256872 Mm/Year And A Weight Loss Of4.32333 Mg. On The Contrary, Soft Water And Distilled Water Exhibit Lower Corrosion Rates, Indicating Higher Resistance. Exposure To Steam Autoclaves Notably Speeds Up Corrosion Rates, While The Length Of Exposure Influences The Pattern, Initially Increasing Rates Before Reaching A Stable Point. Sem Analysis Revealed Localized Pitting Corrosion Initiation OnSs304 Samples Immersed In 3.5% Nacl Solution. Xrd Analysis Identified Chloride Ions In Corrosion Products, Emphasizing Their Role In Destabilizing The Passive Film And Accelerating Corrosion. Samples From The Autoclave Chamber Displayed Evidence Of Pitting And Underlining The Vulnerability Of Autoclave Components To Chloride-Induced Corrosion. Mitigation Strategies Include Minimizing Chloride-Containing Solutions During Sterilization, Implementing Regular Cleaning And Maintenance, And Considering Alternative Materials Resistant To Chloride-Induced Corrosion For Autoclave Construction And Also Offering Valuable Guidance For Enhancing Steam Autoclave System Reliability And Longevity InIndustrial Applications Like The Nvi.