Localized surface modification on 1018 low carbon steel by electrolytic plasma process and its impact on corrosion behavior

Electrolytic plasma process (EPP) was applied on 1018 low carbon steel sample surfaces and tested in a 3.5% NaCl solution. The treatment details of the EPP were described and the test results indicate the improvement in corrosion rate and localized corrosion was due to the unique surface features resulting from the EPP treatment. The corrosion protections show a sustainable consistency for EPP treated samples in a 48 hour immersion test. SEM (with FIB) and XRD were used to characterize the surface features. Potential polarization, cyclic voltammetry were performed for corrosion evaluations.