Early Corrosion Behavior of Cr10Mo1 Alloy Corrosion-Resistant Steel Bars in Seawater–Sea-Sand Concrete

Abstract

Corrosion of steel bars embedded in reinforced concrete structures considerably reduces the service life and even causes early failure of the structure. This paper investigates the early corrosion behavior of an alloy corrosion-resistant steel bar in seawater–sea sand concrete (SWSSC) using various electrochemical measurements [electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) linear polarization resistance (LPR)] and surface characterization techniques [scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), atomic force microscope (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)], in comparison to low carbon steel bar (LC) and stainless steel bar (SS). The results reveal that the Cr10Mo1 alloy corrosion-resistant steel bar (CR) in SWSSC shows significant increase in the radius of the capacitive arc in later stages, particularly in the low frequency region. This increase in CR can be attributed to the enhanced corrosion resistance of the passivation film, as well as the rise of impedance at the interface between the passivation film and the concrete matrix. These improvements have effectively inhibited the penetration of free chloride ions into the concrete, thereby impeding the initiation and propagation of corrosion in CR In addition, the mechanical properties, pore structure and the hydration production of SWSSC were investigated. Based on the interactions between steel substrate and concrete matrix, the possible resistance mechanism of CR was proposed. This study innovatively provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of CR in SWSSC.