Stainless Steel World Magazine June 2026 | Page 18

[ Chemical / Petrochemical ]
decarbonization completed

[ Chemical / Petrochemical ]

Studies into tribocorrosion and 316L The tribocorrosion of 316L has recently been reported in several journals. Hence an article in Wear( Volumes 582 – 583, November 2025) discussed the effect of electrochemical potential on the tribocorrosion behaviour of 316L stainless steel in sulphuric acid at different concentrations – an important topic as the tribocorrosion degradation of 316L stainless steel components critically impacts the operational reliability and service longevity of chemical reactors and food processing machinery. Other researchers focussed on developing a better understanding of corrosion and tribocorrosion mechanisms of stainless steel in chloride / bromide media( Corrosion Science, Volume 262, April 2026). Amongst other findings, the authors note that electrochemical corrosion analysis revealed Cl- exhibited greater propensity than Br- to displace oxygen within the Cr2O3 passive film and had a stronger penetration ability( smaller radius), rendering stainless steel more susceptible to pitting corrosion in Clsolutions.
At the start of the year, the global petrochemicals market was predicted to surpass USD $ 700 billion.
Research into tribocorrosion mechanisms and durable tribofilm stability of AISI 316L stainless steel under intermittent sliding in alkaline solution was reported in Wear( Volume 591, April 2026). The article abstract indicated that“ Intermittent operation is common in industrial processes where stainless steel components undergo repeated cleaning cycles. In such conditions, the durability of passive films plays a central role in controlling tribocorrosion.” The writers later indicate that results“ provide quantitative evidence that sodium bicarbonate promotes the formation of durable self-healing tribofilms, capable of suppressing wear and maintaining low-friction conditions in stainless steel components subjected to intermittent sliding in diverse industrial cleaning alkaline environments.”
Supplier observations Many supplier websites provide information on applying stainless steels in chemical and petrochemical processes. For example, Alleima has a page devoted to advanced materials for EDC-VCM production. VCM plays a pivotal role in the manufacture of PVC, one of the most widely used plastics globally. In an excellent video, Alleima’ s Dragon Hao and Luiza Esteves run through the many complex challenges such as dew point corrosion, carburization, creep, etc, associated with materials selection for EDC-VPM production and highlight where specific alloys such as duplex, super duplex, Alloy 600, etc, could be used to good effect. In a similar vein Industeel discusses the drive to enhance the safety and reliability of production and storage
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18 Stainless Steel World June 2026 www. stainless-steel-world. net