Influence of chromium on the flow-accelerated corrosion behavior of low alloy steels in 3.5% NaCl solution

The corrosion behavior of carbon steel and Cr-containing steels was investigated during flow-accelerated corrosion. The corresponding weight loss and electrochemical properties were determined by using a flow-loop apparatus and a rotating-cylinder apparatus, respectively. The corrosion rate of the Cr-containing steels is lower than that of the carbon steel. Furthermore, the high corrosion resistance of these steels was closely correlated with the properties of the rust layer formed on the steel surface. Cr leads mainly to inhibition of the cathodic reaction. Therefore, Cr is suitable for improving the corrosion resistance of low alloy steel to flow-accelerated corrosion.