Evaluation by nondestructive testing of the effect of the microstructure of a multiphase steel on corrosion resistance

Low alloy Fe–C–Si–Mn–Al steels with TRIP effect and their mechanical properties have been extensively studied. However, the analysis of the corrosion resistance by nondestructive testing with special focus on automotive components have not been well studied. This study uses the thermoelectric power (TEP) nondestructive evaluation technique, based on the Seebeck effect, to monitor the corrosion resistance in a multiphase steel. Two different heat treatment routes obtained the specimens. The samples were characterized before and after of the different heat treatment routes employed using different characterizing techniques such as OM, SEM and XRD techniques. TEP nondestructive evaluation technique showed that using a high temperature heat treatment, the steel showed better corrosion resistance.