Surface Contamination On Stainless Steel In Paper Machine Environment, 2004 11th International Symposium on Corrosion in Pulp and Paper Industry

The effect of the electrochemical potential on the contamination of stainless steel surfaces has been studied in paper machine environment. The aim of this research was to find a potential range in which the surface contamination is as low as possible. Two mill experiments were performed in a paper mill producing uncoated newsprint paper in Finland. During the experiments specimens were polarized to different electrochemical potentials. After the exposures the specimens were studied with SEM/EDS, FTIR, Raman spectrometry and AFM in order to verify the nature and chemical composition of the deposits on the surfaces. Also water samples taken during the experiments were analyzed. In surface studies calcium carbonate, kaolin and cellulose, which originate from fillers and fibers, were detected on the surfaces of the specimens. The results showed that the electrochemical potential of the stainless steel does have an effect on the surface contamination in paper machine environment. However, the chemical conditions in the paper machine also have a strong influence on the surface contamination.