The effects of cold work and sensitization treatment on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of a nickel-free high nitrogen stainless steel (HNSS) in 0.5 M H2SO4 +0.5 M NaCl, 3.5% NaCl and 0.5 M NaOH +0.5 M NaCl solutions have been investigated by microscopic observations, electrochemical tests and surface chemical analysis. Cold work introduced a high defect density into the matrix, resulting in a less protective passive film as well as reduced corrosion resistance for heavily cold worked HNSS in a 3.5% NaCl solution. No obvious degradation in corrosion resistance took place in a 0.5 M H2SO4 +0.5 M NaCl solution, possibly due to the stability of the passive film in this solution. Sensitized HNSSs showed reduced corrosion resistance with increasing cold work level in both 3.5% NaCl and 0.5 M H2SO4 +0.5 M NaCl solutions due to a reduction in the anti-corrosion elements in the matrix during the cold work-accelerated precipitation process. The cold work and sensitization treatment had no influence on the corrosion resistance of the HNSS in the 0.5 M NaOH +0.5 M NaCl solution even though the property of the passive film changed. The effects of cold work and sensitization treatment on the characteristics of passive films formed in the three solutions are discussed. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.