Effect of Ni on the corrosion resistance of bridge steel in a simulated hot and humid coastal-industrial atmosphere

The corrosion resistance of weathering bridge steels containing conventional contents of Ni (0.20wt%, 0.42wt%, 1.50wt%) and a higher content of Ni (3.55wt%) in a simulated hot and humid coastal-industrial atmosphere was investigated by corrosion depth loss, scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods. The results showed that, with increasing Ni content, the mechanical properties of the bridge steel were markedly improved, the welding parameters were satisfactory at room temperature, and the corrosion resistance was enhanced. When the Ni content was low (≤ 0.42wt%), the crystallization process of the corrosion products was substantially promoted, enhancing the stability of the rust layer. When the Ni content was higher (~3.55wt%), the corrosion reaction of the steel quickly reached a balance, because the initial rapid corrosion induced the formation of a protective rust layer in the early stage. Simultaneously, NiO and NiFe₂O₄ were generated in large quantities; they not only formed a stable, compact, and continuous oxide protective layer, but also strongly inhibited the transformation process of the corrosion products. This inhibition reduced the structural changes in the rust layer, thereby enhancing the protection. However, when the Ni content ranged from 0.42wt% to 1.50wt%, the corrosion resistance of the bridge steel increased only slightly.     

Corrosion behavior and mechanism of the automotive hot-dip galvanized steel with alkaline mud adhesion

The corrosion behavior and mechanism of hot-dip galvanized steel and interstitial-free (IF) substrate with alkaline mud adhesion were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and linear polarization. The results show that non-uniform corrosion occurs on the galvanized steel and IF substrate during 250 h with the mud adhesion. The corrosion products on the galvanized steel are very loose and porous, which are mainly ZnO, Zn₅(OH)₈C₁₂·H₂O and Zn(OH)₂, and Fe-Zn alloy layer with a lower corrosion rate is exposed on the galvanized steel surface; however, the corrosion products on IF substrate are considerably harder and denser, whose compositions of rust are mainly FeOOH and Fe₃O₄, and several pits appear on their surface. The results of continuous EIS and linear polarization measurements exhibit a corrosion mechanism, that is, under activation control, the charge transfer resistances present different tendencies between the galvanized steel and IF substrate; in addition, the evolution of linear polarization resistances is similar to that of charge transfer resistances. The higher contents of dissolved oxygen and Cl- ions in the mud play an important role in accelerating the corrosion.     

Hot-corrosion behavior of Cr2O3-CNT-coated ASTM-SA213-T22 steel in a molten salt environment at 700℃

The present work investigates the hot-corrosion behavior of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced chromium oxide coatings on boiler steel in a molten salt (Na₂SO₄-60wt%V₂O₅) environment at 700℃ under cyclic conditions. The coatings were deposited via the high-velocity oxygen fuel process. The uncoated and coated steel samples were subjected to hot corrosion in a silicon tube furnace at 700℃ for 50 cycles. The kinetics of the corrosion behavior was analyzed through mass-gain measurements after each cycle. The corrosion products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis techniques. The results revealed that uncoated steel suffered spallation of scale because of the formation of nonprotective Fe₂O₃ scale. The coated steel samples exhibited lower mass gains with better adhesiveness of oxide scale with the steel alloy until the end of exposure. The CNT-reinforced coatings were concluded to provide better corrosion resistance in the hot-corrosion environment because of the uniform dispersion of CNTs in the coating matrix and the formation of protective chromium oxides in the scale.     

Influence of chromium on the initial corrosion behavior of low alloy steels in the CO2-O2-H2S-SO2 wet-dry corrosion environment of cargo oil tankers

The influence of Cr on the initial corrosion behavior of low-alloy steels exposed to a CO2–O2–H2S–SO2wet–dry corrosion envi-ronment was investigated using weight-loss measurements, scanning electron microscopy, N2 adsorption tests, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the corrosion rate increases with increasing Cr content in samples subjected to corrosion for 21 d. However, the rust grain size decreases, its specific surface area increases, and it becomes more compact and denser with increasing Cr content, which indicates the enhanced protectivity of the rust. The results of charge transfer resistance (Rct) calculations indicate that higher Cr contents can accelerate the corrosion during the first 7 d and promote the formation of the enhanced protective inner rust after 14 d; the formed protective inner rust is responsible for the greater corrosion resistance during long-term exposure.     

Influence of mill scale and rust layer on the corrosion resistance of low-alloy steel in simulated concrete pore solution

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic potentiodynamic polarization measurements, and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to investigate the influence of mill scale and rust layer on the passivation capability and chloride-induced corrosion behaviors of conventional low-carbon (LC) steel and low-alloy (LA) steel in simulated concrete pore solution. The results show that mill scale exerts different influences on the corrosion resistance of both steels at various electrochemical stages. We propose that the high long-term corrosion resistance of LA steel is mainly achieved through the synergistic effect of a gradually formed compact, adherent and well-distributed Cr-enriched inner rust layer and the physical barrier protection effect of mill scale.     

Relationship between the specific surface area of rust and the electrochemical behavior of rusted steel in a wet-dry acid corrosion environment

The relationship between the specific surface area (SSA) of rust and the electrochemical behavior of rusted steel under wet-dry acid corrosion conditions was investigated. The results showed that the corrosion current density first increased and then decreased with increasing SSA of the rust during the corrosion process. The structure of the rust changed from single-layer to double-layer, and the γ-FeOOH content decreased in the inner layer of the rust with increasing corrosion time; by contrast, the γ-FeOOH content in the outer layer was constant. When the SSA of the rust was lower than the critical SSA corresponding to the relative humidity during the drying period, condensed water in the micropores of the rust could evaporate, which prompted the diffusion of O₂ into the rust and the following formation process of γ-FeOOH, leading to an increase of corrosion current density with increasing corrosion time. However, when the SSA of the rust reached or exceeded the critical SSA, condensate water in the micro-pores of the inner layer of the rust could not evaporate which inhibited the diffusion of O₂ and decreased the γ-FeOOH content in the inner rust, leading to a decrease of corrosion current density with increasing corrosion time.     

Influence of oxide scales on the corrosion behaviors of B510L hot-rolled steel strips

The influence of oxide scales on the corrosion behaviors of B510L hot-rolled steel strips was investigated in this study. Focused ion beams and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the morphologies of oxide scales on the surface and cross sections of the hot-rolled steel. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used for the phase analysis of the oxide scales and corrosion products. The corrosion potential and impedance were measured by anodic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. According to the results, oxide scales on the hot-rolled strips mainly comprise iron and iron oxides. The correlation between mass gain and test time follows a power exponential rule in the damp-heat test. The corrosion products are found to be mainly composed of γ-FeOOH, Fe₃O₄, α-FeOOH, and γ-Fe₂O₃. The contents of the corrosion products are different on the surfaces of the steels with and without oxide scales. The steel with oxide scales is found to show a higher corrosion resistance and lower corrosion rate.     

Investigation of the deterioration of passive films in H<Subscript>2</Subscript>S-containing solutions

The effect of H₂S on the corrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel was investigated using electrochemical methods by changing the gas condition from CO₂ to H₂S and then back to CO₂. The presence of H₂S showed an acceleration effect on the corrosion of 316L stainless steel in comparison with CO₂. The acceleration effect remained even after the complete removal of H₂S by CO₂, indicating that the passive film was irreversibly damaged. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis indicated that the passive film was composed of Cr₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, and FeS₂ after being immersed in H₂S-containing solutions. The semiconducting property of the passive film was then investigated by using the Mott-Schottky approach. The presence of sulfides resulted in higher acceptor and donor densities and thus was responsible for the deterioration of passive films.     

Corrosion behavior and corrosion products of a low-alloy weathering steel in Qingdao and Wanning

A newly developed low-alloy weathering steel has been exposed in two coastal sites (Qingdao in the north, Wanning in the south) in China for one year. The samples in Wanning corroded far more seriously than those in Qingdao. The rust layer formed on the steel was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N₂ adsorption approach, polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The rust formed in Qingdao contains more X-ray amorphous compounds and is more compact than that formed in Wanning. Cr and Cu are enriched in the rust layer near the steel matrix, and the phenomenon is more obvious in Qingdao than in Wanning. The rust layer formed in Qingdao suppresses the anodic and cathodic reaction more remarkably than that formed in Wanning does. The rust layer formed in Qingdao possesses a higher ability to block the permeation of chloride ions than that formed in Wanning does.     

Electrochemical and analytical characterization of three corrosion inhibitors of steel in simulated concrete pore solutions

Corrosion inhibitors for steel, such as sodium phosphate (Na₃PO₄), sodium nitrite (NaNO₂), and benzotriazole (BTA), in simulated concrete pore solutions (saturated Ca(OH)₂) were investigated. Corrosion behaviors of steel in different solutions were studied by means of corrosion potential (E_corr), linear polarization resistance (LPR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP). A field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) was used for observing the microstructures and morphology of corrosion products of steel. The results indicate that, compared with the commonly used nitrite-based inhibitors, Na₃PO₄ is not a good inhibitor, while BTA may be a potentially effective inhibitor to prevent steel from corrosion in simulated concrete pore solutions.     

Effect of benzaldehyde on the electrodeposition and corrosion properties of Ni–W alloys

The effect of different concentrations of benzaldehyde on the electrodeposition of Ni–W alloy coatings on a mild steel substrate from a citrate electrolyte was investigated in this study. The electrolytic alkaline bath (pH 8.0) contained stoichiometric amounts of nickel sulfate, sodium tungstate, and trisodium citrate as precursors. The corrosion resistance of the Ni–W-alloy-coated specimens in 0.2 mol/L H₂SO₄ was studied using various electrochemical techniques. Tafel polarization studies reveal that the alloy coatings obtained from the bath containing 50 ppm benzaldehyde exhibit a protection efficiency of 95.33%. The corrosion rate also decreases by 21.5 times compared with that of the blank. A higher charge-transfer resistance of 1159.40 Ω·cm2 and a lower double-layer capacitance of 29.4 μF·cm-2 further confirm the better corrosion resistance of the alloy coating. X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the deposits on the mild steel surface are consisted of nanocrystals. A lower surface roughness value (R_max) of the deposits is confirmed by atomic force microscopy.     

Influence of chromium on the initial corrosion behavior of low alloy steels in the CO_2–O_2–H_2S–SO_2 wet–dry corrosion environment of cargo oil tankers

The influence of Cr on the initial corrosion behavior of low-alloy steels exposed to a CO2–O2–H2S–SO2 wet–dry corrosion environment was investigated using weight-loss measurements, scanning electron microscopy, N2 adsorption tests, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that the corrosion rate increases with increasing Cr content in samples subjected to corrosion for 21 d. However, the rust grain size decreases, its specific surface area increases, and it becomes more compact and denser with increasing Cr content, which indicates the enhanced protectivity of the rust. The results of charge transfer resistance(Rct) calculations indicate that higher Cr contents can accelerate the corrosion during the first 7 d and promote the formation of the enhanced protective inner rust after 14 d; the formed protective inner rust is responsible for the greater corrosion resistance during long-term exposure.     

Effect of melting temperature on microstructural evolutions,behavior and corrosion morphology of Hadfield austenitic manganese steel in the casting process

In this study, the effect of melting temperature on the microstructural evolutions, behavior, and corrosion morphology of Hadfield steel in the casting process is investigated. The mold was prepared by the sodium silicate/CO₂ method, using a blind riser, and then the desired molten steel was obtained using a coreless induction furnace. The casting was performed at melting temperatures of 1350, 1400, 1450, and 1500℃, and the cast blocks were immediately quenched in water. Optical microscopy was used to analyze the microstructure, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractrometry (XRD) were used to analyze the corrosion morphology and phase formation in the microstructure, respectively. The corrosion behavior of the samples was analyzed using a potentiodynamic polarization test and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 3.5wt% NaCl. The optical microscopy observations and XRD patterns show that the increase in melting temperature led to a decrease of carbides and an increase in the austenite grain size in the Hadfield steel microstructure. The corrosion tests results show that with increasing melting temperature in the casting process, Hadfield steel shows a higher corrosion resistance. The SEM images of the corrosion morphologies show that the reduction of melting temperature in the Hadfield steel casting process induced micro-galvanic corrosion conditions.     

Environmental boundary and formation mechanism of different types of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>S corrosion products on pipeline steel

To establish an adequate thermodynamic model for the mechanism of formation of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) corrosion products, theoretical and experimental studies were combined in this work. The corrosion products of API X60 pipeline steel formed under different H₂S corrosion conditions were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. A thermodynamic model was developed to clarify the environmental boundaries for the formation and transformation of different products. Presumably, a dividing line with a negative slope existed between mackinawite and pyrrhotite. Using experimental data presented in this study combined with previously published results, we validated the model to predict the formation of mackinawite and pyrrhotite on the basis of the laws of thermodynamics. The established relationship is expected to support the investigation of the H₂S corrosion mechanism in the oil and gas industry.     

HOVF喷涂Ni–22Cr–10Al–1Y 和Ni–22Cr–10Al–1Y–SiC (N)涂层对ASTM-SA213-T22钢组织和热腐蚀行为的影响

The present paper deals with the investigation of microstructure and high-temperature hot corrosion behavior of high-velocity oxy fuel (HVOF)-produced coatings. Two powder coating compositions, namely, Ni22Cr10Al1Y alloy powder and Ni22Cr10Al1Y (80wt%; micro-sized)–silicon carbide (SiC) (20wt%; nano (N)) powder, were deposited on a T-22 boiler tube steel. The hot corrosion behavior of bare and coated steels was tested at 900°C for 50 cycles in Na₂SO₄–60wt%V₂O₅ molten-salt environment. The kinetics of corrosion was established with weight change measurements after each cycle. The microporosity and microhardness of the as-coated samples have been reported. The X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray mapping characterization techniques have been utilized for structural analysis of the as-coated and hot-corroded samples. The results showed that both coatings were deposited with a porosity less than 2%. Both coated samples revealed the development of harder surfaces than the substrate. During hot corrosion testing, the bare T22 steel showed an accelerated corrosion in comparison with its coated counterparts. The HVOF-sprayed coatings were befitted effectively by maintaining their adherence during testing. The Ni22Cr10Al1Y–20wt%SiC (N) composite coating was more effective than the Ni–22Cr–10Al–1Y coating against corrosion in the high-temperature fluxing process.     

Corrosion behavior and characteristics of the product film of API X100 steel in acidic simulated soil solution

The short-term corrosion behavior of API X100 steel in an acidic simulated soil was investigated by electrochemical measurements and soaking experiments, followed by corrosion morphology observations and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. The results show that X100 steel exhibits an obvious pitting susceptibility in an acidic soil environment. Pits nucleate after approximately 10 h of immersion. Along with the nucleation and growth of the pits, the charge-transfer resistance and open-circuit potential first increase sharply, then decrease slowly, and eventually reach a steady state. The maxima of the charge-transfer resistance and open-circuit potential are attained at approximately 10 h. The evolution of the electrochemical process is confirmed by the analysis of the product film. The product film exhibits a porous and loose structure and could not protect the substrate well. The product film is primarily composed of ferrous carbonate and ferrous hydroxide (Fe(OH)₂). The concentration of Fe(OH)₂ in the product film increases from the inside to the outside layer.     

Photocatalytic activity of ferric oxide/titanium dioxide nanocomposite films on stainless steel fabricated by anodization and ion implantation

A simple surface treatment was used to develop photocatalytic activity for stainless steel. AISI 304 stainless steel specimens after anodization were implanted by Ti ions at an extracting voltage of 50 kV with an implantation dose of 3 × 1015 atoms·cm?2 and then annealed in air at 450℃ for 2 h. The morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The microstructure was characterized by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue solution was carried out under ultraviolet light. The corrosion resistance of the stainless steel was evaluated in NaCl solution (3.5 wt%) by electrochemical polarization curves. It is found that the Ti ions depth profile resembles a Gaussian distribution in the implanted layer. The nanostructured Fe₂O₃/TiO₂ composite film exhibits a remarkable enhancement in photocatalytic activity referenced to the mechanically polished specimen and anodized specimen. Meanwhile, the annealed Ti-implanted specimen remains good corrosion resistance.     

Wear and corrosion resistance of laser-cladded Fe-based composite coatings on AISI 4130 steel

The wear and corrosion resistance of Fe_72.2Cr_16.8Ni_7.3Mo_1.6Mn_0.7C_0.2Si_1.2 and Fe_77.3Cr_15.8Ni_3.9Mo_1.1Mn_0.5C_0.2Si_1.2 coatings laser-cladded on AISI 4130 steel were studied. The coatings possess excellent wear and corrosion resistance despite the absence of expensive yttrium, tungsten, and cobalt and very little molybdenum. The microstructure mainly consists of dendrites and eutectic phases, such as duplex (γ+α)-Fe and the Fe–Cr (Ni) solid solution, confirmed via energy dispersive spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. The cladded Fe-based coatings have lower coefficients of friction, and narrower and shallower wear tracks than the substrate without the cladding, and the main wear mechanism is mild abrasive wear. Electrochemical test results suggest that the soft Fe_72.2Cr_16.8Ni_7.3Mo_1.6Mn_0.7C_0.2Si_1.2 coating with high Cr and Ni concentrations has high passivation resistance, low corrosion current, and positive corrosion potential, providing a better protective barrier layer to the AISI 4130 steel against corrosion.     

Formation mechanism of an aluminium-based chemical conversion coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy

An environmentally clean aluminium-based conversion coating on AZ91D magnesium alloy was studied in aluminium nitrate solutions. The morphology, composition, structure, and formation mechanism of the coating were investigated in detail using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersion spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical corrosion tests. The results show that the conversion coating is composed of magnesium, aluminium, and oxygen, and shows an amorphous structure. In the initial stage of coating formation, the grain-like nucleus is composed of Al₁₀O₁₅·xH₂O, (Al₂O₃)_5.333, Al₂O₃, AlO(OH), MgAl₂O₄, (Mg_0.88Al_0.12)(Al_0.94Mg_0.06)₂O₄, and (Mg_0.68Al_0.32)(Al_0.84Mg_0.16)₂O₄. The conversion coating formed in the 0.01 mol/L aluminium nitrate solution for 15 min can improve the corrosion resistance of the magnesium alloy greatly. The discussion reveals that the possible formation mechanism for the aluminium-based conversion coating is the reduction reaction on micro-cathodic sites due to the electrochemically heterogeneous magnesium alloy substrate.     

Electrochemical behavior of 304 stainless steel with electrodeposited niobium as PEMFC bipolar plates

In order to enhance the corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel, niobium was electrodeposited on its surface in air- and water-stable ionic liquids. The electrochemical behaviors of bare and niobium-coated 304 stainless steel were evaluated by electrochemical tests in a simulated proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) environment. The results showed that niobium could be electrodeposited on the surface of 304 stainless steel from ionic liquids, and a smooth and strong chemical inert compound film was obtained on the surface of 304 stainless steel, which was mainly composed of NbO and Nb₂O₅. The thin composite film acted as a barrier and remarkably improved the corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel in the PEMFC environment.