Corrosion of X100 pipeline steel under plastic strain in a neutral pH bicarbonate solution

In this work, the effect of plastic strain on corrosion of an X100 pipeline steel was investigated by mechanical testing, electrochemical and micro-electrochemical measurements, and finite element analysis. While the steel corrosion is enhanced by applied strain, the effect of elastic deformation is limited. The mechanoelectrochemical effect developed on the steel is small in elastic region, and it becomes significant under plastic strain. While both anodic and cathodic reactions are enhanced by pre-strain, the effect on anodic reaction is more significant. Furthermore, in reality, a non-uniform distribution of plastic stress and strain on pipelines would cause quite different corrosion activities on the steel. This could be the reason to initiate preferential localized corrosion and even cracks.

► Conduct the mechanical and corrosion measurements on a pre-strained X100 steel. ► Determine the effect of elastic and plastic strains on corrosion of the steel. ► Calculate the corrosion potential of the steel as a function of plastic strain. ► Analyze the effect of pre-strain on anodic and cathodic reactions during corrosion of the steel.