Electrochemical investigation on atmospheric corrosion of carbon steel under different environmental parameters

Purpose - The aims are to investigate the influence of different environmental parameters on atmospheric corrosion of carbon steel and to further emphasize the feasibility and importance of atmospheric corrosion monitor (ACM). Design/methodology/approach - The experiment includes outdoor exposure test and laboratory simulation test. ACM as an electrochemical method was adopted in order to research the effects of the environmental parameters on the atmospheric corrosion of carbon steel. Findings - The corrosion current of ACM can respond satisfactorily to the corrosion of carbon steel caused by different environmental factors, especially relative humidity. Sulfur dioxide can greatly accelerate the corrosion of carbon steel and the importance of sulfur dioxide is closely related to its concentration and relative humidity. Copper-accelerated acetic acid salt solution is more aggressive than neutral salt solution, which may be due to sub acidity and copper ion in the former solution. Originality/value - Recently, ACM seems to be ignored in the research of atmospheric corrosion when some new methods come up, but in practical applications it is a simple, direct and effective method that should be attached importance. This paper further verified the feasibility and effectiveness of ACM used in monitoring atmospheric corrosion and exploring the relationship between corrosion rate and environmental parameters.