Abstract: The pittings of five carbon steels have been studied by using anodic polarization test and microscope observation. The results show that pitting susceptibilities are related to the types and shapes of inclusions which are the sites of pitting initiation. The pitting initiating at inclusion needs a potential which is defined as pitting potential and the pitting potential is determined by the type and shape of inclusion. The influence of oxygen content in steel on pitting potential is also discussed.

Key words: carbon steel, pitting susceptibility, pitting potential, inclusion