Effects of alloyed Cr and Cu on the corrosion behavior of low-alloy steel in a simulated groundwater solution

•Pit-like corrosion attack occurred only on the Cr-containing steels.•Cr-containing steel was more likely to attract SO42− and Cl− ions in the crevice.•Cr and Cu have synergistic effects on increasing the crevice corrosion.

The effects of Cr and Cu on the corrosion behavior of low-alloy steel have been studied by immersion tests and electrochemical measurements combined with scanning electron microscopy and analysis of polarization curves. The low-alloy steels exhibit higher uniform corrosion resistance than do carbon steel. Crevice corrosion morphology study indicated that the pit-like corrosion attack occurred only on the Cr-containing steels. The crevice corrosion tests indicated that Cr and Cu have synergistic effects on increasing the crevice corrosion of the steel.