Surface potential distribution observation of the surface modified of 304 stainless steel

Mechanical surface treatment was conducted in 304 stainless steel. To reveal its effect on the atmospheric environment with chloride solution droplet attach on the surface of the sample, the surface potential distribution observation was conducted using scanning Kelvin Probe observation method. To clarify the corrosion product and rust, the optical microscope observation was conducted. In this study, MgCl₂ solution was employed as droplet electrolyte due to its deliquescence in the atmospheric environment. The investigation process was applied at 40% RH. The results show the surface potential of the treated sample transformed into nobler than the untreated samples. Moreover, the pit did not form after 304 stainless steel was treated by mechanical surface treatment.