Corrosion behaviour of corrugated lean duplex stainless steels in simulated concrete pore solutions

This work studies the corrosion behaviour of two corrugated lean duplex stainless steels (SAF 2001 and 2304 grades) in eight alkaline solutions (carbonated and non-carbonated, saturated Ca(OH)2 solutions with different chloride contents). 2001 stainless steel is a new grade in market because of its composition. 2304 is a grade previously studied under different conditions. However, its use as reinforcement in concrete is new. Studies are carried out by polarization curves following scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and optical observations. Results are compared to those of carbon steel and austenitic AISI 304 and duplex SAF 2205 under similar conditions. After corrosion tests in alkaline media with chloride, ferrite tends to corrode selectively in 2304 duplex, while austenite corrodes selectively in 2001 under the same conditions. The influence of the duplex microstructure on attack development and morphology is analyzed. The electrochemical parameters obtained from the polarization curves suggest 2001 could replace 304 keeping the structure its corrosion performance (and with clear economical advantages). 2304 shows better corrosion behaviour than the more expensive 304, but somewhat lower than the excellent behaviour shown by 2205.

Research highlights► Two new corrugated duplex grades have been studied as cheaper alternatives to 304. ► 2304 is more corrosion-resistant than the austenitic 304, but less than duplex 2205. ► 2001 has similar corrosion performance than the much more expensive 304. ► In 2304, ferrite preferentially corrodes in all studied aggressive pore solutions. ► In 2001 duplex, austenite shows lower corrosion resistance than ferrite.