Synergistic effect of sulfate-reducing bacteria and elastic stress on corrosion of X80 steel in soil solution

In this paper, the individual and simultaneous effects of stress and sulfate-reducing bacteria on corrosion of X80 steel were conducted by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Both elastic stress and activity of SRB enhance corrosion of the steel and, furthermore, they have synergistic effects on corrosion behavior of the steel. The activities of SRB give rise to the initiation of pits, and the applied elastic stress keeps and promotes the growth of pits. The activities of SRB and the applied elastic stress induce tiny secondary corrosion pitting at the bottom of the primary pitting. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.