EIS monitoring study of atmospheric corrosion under variable relative humidity

Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique was used to investigate atmospheric corrosion in laboratory simulated environments with variable relative humidity (RH) and fixed Cl− content. The results show the suitability of EIS for analyzing electrochemical corrosion behaviour at 5–100% RH. At 5–30% RH, EIS spectra reflected the character of the electrode, whereas at 40–100% RH, the model of EIS spectra was established with the help of surface analysis. From 70% RH, the film resistance (Rr) reflects the degree of corrosion and the charge transfer resistance (Rt) provides quantitative representation of the corrosion rate, which were verified by weight loss tests.

Research highlights
► Determine applicable conditions of EIS monitoring in atmospheric corrosion.
► Analyze EIS spectra obtained under different RH environment.
► Clarify quantified parameters to evaluate atmospheric corrosion.