Corrosion Behavior of a Low-Carbon Steel in Simulated Marine Splash Zone

Experiments were designed to simulate the corrosion of a low-carbon steel exposed to a marine splash zone. The composition and morphology of the rust were investigated using Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. Corrosion resistance of the rust films was demonstrated by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The wettability of the steel surface was calculated from the data concerning the wetting degree and the conductivity. The results showed that, in the initial stage, the products of the outer rust layer were mainly made up of Fe(III) oxyhydroxide, while the main component of the inner rust layer was magnetite. With an increase in the corrosion time, the inner rust layer continuously turned into the outer rust layer. In addition, both rust layers became dense, thus playing a protective role with respect to matrix. The existence of the rust layer significantly prolonged the residence time of the seawater on the sample surface, a result that tends to improve the cathodic protection effect for steel structures exposed to marine splash zones.