Fast testing of ambient temperature pitting corrosion in type 2205 duplex stainless steel by bipolar electrochemistry experiments

The device can be fully colored at −1 V and self-bleach at 0 V (in short-circuit state). [Display omitted] •Room temperature pitting corrosion testing of Type 2205 duplex stainless steel has been successfully carried out.•Pit nucleation and growth can be observed using bipolar electrochemistry testing.•Corrosion pits form by selective dissolution of the ferrite, with lacy covers related to remaining austenite grains. Commercial grade type 2205 duplex stainless steel is resistant to localised corrosion at room temperature. With the application of bipolar electrochemistry, pitting and crevice corrosion can be probed at room temperature, with corrosion pits nucleated in 0.1 M HCl within 15 s of exposure. The evolution of localised corrosion kinetics as a function of applied electrochemical potential is discussed. Pit nucleation occurred at the interface between ferrite and austenite, growing into the ferrite phase. Pits with lacy covers formed via selective dissolution of the ferrite.