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On the Mechanism of the Corrosion of Steel in Saline Water

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Abstract

The corrosion rates of iron and steel completely immersed in saline waters are well documented in the literature for a variety of ambient conditions. Much published discussion has also been devoted to possible reaction mechanisms which cause this corrosion, but uncertainties still exist concerning a number of factors, including oxygen transport, the role of complex corrosion products, and the extent of hydrogen evolution.

After reviewing literature relating to the mechanisms of iron and steel corrosion in saline waters, we report new experimental data from a Bethlehem Steel research program aimed at determining the mechanisms of corrosion. Using microelectrode techniques developed during this program, we have found variations in pH and dissolved oxygen concentration in corrosion products on iron in quiet 3% NaCl solution. After four months’ immersion, the surface of a refined iron block had developed macroscopic areas that were either primarily anodic and active or primarily cathodic and passive. The location of these areas did not shift noticeably during a two-week observation period.

The greater portion of the total surface area of the specimen was characterized by low oxygen gradients and uniform pH through the corrosion products down to the metal surface. The remainder of the surface area was characterized by high oxygen gradients and pH values rising to above 9 near the metal surface. These findings provide a qualitative basis for a proposed corrosion mechanism which involves a balance between the rate of electrolytic reduction of oxygen on passive areas, and the rate of chemical reduction of oxygen (in the oxidation of ferrous species) on active areas.

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  1. Alloy Development Section of Homer Research Laboratories, Bethlehem Steel Corp., Bethlehem, Bethlehem, USA

    H. J. Cleary (Engineer)

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  1. H. J. Cleary
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Cleary, H.J. On the Mechanism of the Corrosion of Steel in Saline Water. JOM 22, 39–46 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03355630

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