SEM analysis of AISI 316l SS surfaces after magnetoelectrochemical polishing Mep treatment in a transpassive region of polarisation characteristics

Abstract

The aim of the paper was to carry out the SEM analysis of the Type AISI 316L stainless steel after electropolishing in comparison with the steel surface after magnetoelectropolishing operation. The electrochemical polishing of the AISI 316L SS samples was performed in a transpassive region of polarisation characteristics with the use of a magnetic field induced by a permanent magnet under varying induction (starting from B = 0). Following the assumed study method, the effect of magnetoelectropolishing operation on the surface finish was found. The analyses of the SEM and EDX results of AISI 316L samples after MEP obtained in this work show that the magnetic field considerably affects the surface structure and the surface appearance. The studies carried out on AISI 316L SS after MEP under varying conditions allowed to revealing the possible optimal surface.