Corrosion of low carbon steel in atmospheric environments of different chloride content

This investigation aims to analyze the effect of Cl− ion on the atmospheric corrosion rate of carbon steel. The metal samples were exposed to a marine atmospheric environment (95 and 375 m from the sea line) as well as an industrial atmospheric environment. The effects of Cl− ions on the protective characteristics of the rust layers were assessed by IR spectroscopy, SEM–EDAX analyses, linear polarization resistance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that Cl− ion influences the corrosion rate, as well as the morphology and composition of the rust layer.