Insights into the Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior and Mechanism of Electroless Ni-P Coating in the CO2/H2S/Cl- Environment

The electrochemical corrosion behavior of Ni-P coating in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution-containing CO2 and H2S was investigated using electrochemical methods and surface characterization techniques. The results show that the presence of H2S can enhance the CO2 corrosion of Ni-P coated carbon steel by affecting both anodic and cathodic processes. The H2PO2- adsorbed layer only exists in the very early stage of corrosion and barely improves the anticorrosion performance of the coating. The formation of corrosion products (NiO and Ni3S2) renders temporary protection during immersion, but the addition of H2S accelerates the diffusion process at the electrolyte/coating interface and promotes the electrolyte penetration through the coating, causing severe localized corrosion and coating disbondment. A corrosion model is proposed to illustrate the corrosion and degradation process of Ni-P coated steel in the CO2/H2S/Cl- environment.