Sensitization to Corrosion of Austenitic Stainless Steels: Watch Straps Intended to Come into Direct and Prolonged Contact with Skin

Nine grades of steel from different European steelmakers, namely 304L, 316L, and 904L, were evaluated. The austenitic steels studied are used in the manufacture watch straps. evaluations have been carried out accordance with ASTM standards which specifically concern forms corrosion, pitting (G48-11, FeCl3), intergranular (A262-15, Strauss method) test Tuccillo–Nielsen test. polarization electrochemical on link straps was implemented by microelectrode technique. Stress corrosion has also investigated assembly laser welded pin link. It should be noted that, despite fact that grade is conformity classification standards, we note behavior very one steelmaker to another. There parameters can change quality such as technology process, casting volume, deoxidizers’ addition, remelted process traces pollutants. In consequence, observe an extensive dispersion results concerning nickel release, according EN 1811 legislation regarding protection population’s health, relating skin contact. conclusion, DIN 1.4441 (316L Med) 1.4539 (904L) present a good resistance morphologies crevice corrosion. 316L 304L grades, known 1.4435, 1.4404 1.4306, display major difference behavior.