Independence of EPR and PAP tests performed on resistance spot welding joints

Abstract

In the present paper, the possible relationships among the variables of the potentiodynamic anodic polarisation (PAP) test and the electrochemical potentiokinetic reactivation (EPR) test, both performed on resistance spot welding joints of AISI 304 stainless steel, are investigated. Results show that PAP variables are statistically independent from those of EPR, which implies independence between the pitting corrosion behaviour and the degree of sensitisation of the material. Parameters from PAP test are dependent among them, but this association is found noisy since the current density along the passive zone is not exactly constant. The parameters from the EPR test are confirmed as very related, presenting a linear relationship and a high coefficient of determination.