Abstract
The weight loss coupon and electrical resistance probe methods of measuring atmospheric corrosion rates are described and their advantages and limitations compared. Experiments using these techniques were carried out to measure the corrosion rates of mild steel under a range of atmospheric conditions. A good correlation between the two methods was established. The corrosion rates on prerusted coupons and probes showed that the presence of rust lowers the corrosion rate, except under sheltered marine exposure where the accumulation of chlorides in the rust deposits results in significant increases in the rate of corrosion. Probe orientation had little influence on corrosion rate, except at the marine site where sheltered probes facing the sea experienced substantially more corrosion than sheltered probes facing in the opposite direction.
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