Effect of Weathering on the Electrochemical Behaviour of Steels

Abstract

The potentiodynamcic anodic behaviour of some low-alloy steels was investigated in 0·1 M Na₂SO₄ in relation to weathering. The set of materials tested included an ordinary carbon steel, a Cu-bearing steel, a Cu-P steel and a Corten-type steel.

The weathering was effected by short-duration exposures either in an industrial atmosphere or in a sulphate spray, and also by anodic dissolution through repeated potential sweeps. In every case the potentiodynamcic anodic behaviour clearly differentiated the steels, giving satisfactory correlation with the type and content of alloying elements, and was consistent with the weight-loss behaviour in extended atmospheric tests.