Nickel-chromium-high molybdenum alloys, pitting corrosion

The addition of molybdenum to the alloy, as in type 316, increases the corrosion resistance and high-temperature strength. If nickel is not included, the low-temperature brittleness of the material is increased and the ductility and pit-type corrosion resistance are reduced. The presence of chromium in the alloy gives resistance to oxidizing agents. Thus, type 430, which contains chromium but no nickel or molybdenum, exhibits excellent corrosion resistance to nitric acid and other oxidizing agents. 

Water environments can also have a variety of compositions and corrosion characteristics. Freshwater normally contains dissolved oxygen as well as minerals, several of which account for hardness. Seawater contains approximately 3.5% salt (predominantly sodium chloride), as well as some minerals and organic matter. Seawater is generally more corrosive than freshwater, frequently producing pitting and crevice corrosion. Cast iron, steel, aluminum, copper, brass, and some stainless steels are generally suitable for freshwater use, whereas titanium, brass, some bronzes, copper-nickel alloys, and nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys are highly corrosion resistant in seawater. 

Despite their good resistance to general corrosion, stainless steels are more susceptible to pitting than many other metals. High-alloy stainless steels containing chromium, nickel, and molybdenum are also more resistant to pitting but are not immune under all service conditions. 

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