Long-Term Electrochemical Behavior of Low-Alloy Steel in Simulated Concrete Pore Solution with Chlorides

Abstract

The passivation capability and long-term chloride-induced corrosion behavior of a low-cost low-alloy (LA) steel and the conventional low-carbon (LC) steel in a simulated concrete pore solution (SCPS) were investigated using various electrochemical techniques and microstructural characterization methods. The results show that the passivation capability of LA steel is slightly higher than LC steel. However, after long-term exposure to SCPS with chlorides, the corrosion resistance of LA steel is superior to LC steel. It is proposed that the high corrosion resistance of LA steel is mainly achieved by the formation of a compact and adherent rust layer on the steel surface.