Influence of chloride concentration and pre-passivation on the pitting corrosion resistance of low-alloy reinforcing steel in simulated concrete pore solution

The effect of chloride concentration and pre-passivation on the pitting corrosion resistance of low-alloy steel and conventional low-carbon steel in simulated concrete pore solution was investigated using electrochemical techniques and surface analysis measurements. The results show that the passive film could enhance the pitting corrosion resistance for both investigated steels. Low-alloy steel exhibits slightly lower pitting corrosion resistance at low chloride concentration compared to low-carbon steel, regardless of the passivation condition. However, at high chloride concentration, low-alloy steel shows higher pitting corrosion resistance due to the formation of Cr-enriched protective rust layer. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.