Purpose—This report aims to study the influence of applied potentials on the corrosion-wear behavior of 316L stainless steel (SS) in artificial seawater.

Design/methodology/approach—In this study, wear-corrosion behavior of 316L SS had been studied under different applied potentials in artificial seawater by using a reformed pin-on-disc test rig. The applied potentials were selected ranging from –1.2 to 0.3 V (vs Ag/AgCl). The friction coefficient, mass loss rate and current density were determined.

Findings—It was indicated that mass loss was determined by the combined effect of mechanical wear and chemical corrosion. The wear-corrosion process was synergistic effects dominate while mechanical wear contributed the major material mass loss.

Practical implications—The results helped us to choose the appropriate metals for application under the specified environment.

Originality/value—The main originality of this research is to reveal the corrosion-wear behavior of 316L SS under different potentials, which would help us to understand different states of 316L SS under different corrosion environments.