Effect of silicate-based films on the corrosion behavior of the API 5L X80 pipeline steel

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of silicate-based films on the corrosion resistance of the API 5L X80 steel in carbonate-bicarbonate solution at room temperature. The films were electrochemically obtained by anodic and cathodic treatments and by immersion in 1.0 M sodium metasilicate solution. The corrosion behavior was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. Film morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Adhesion strength was measured by pull-off tests. The chemical composition was evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The anodic film yielded the best corrosion resistance (protection efficiency 83%). The protection mechanism is discussed.