Corrosion behaviour of low-carbon bainitic steel under a constant elastic load

The corrosion behaviour of low-carbon bainitic weathering steel in an environment containing chlorine ions (Cl−) was studied by applying different constant elastic loads. The results showed that the applied elastic load reduces the resistance of the rust layer to Cl− diffusion because of the porous structure as well as the enhanced anion selectivity in the rust: this leads to more severe corrosion of the steel compared with load-free conditions. The corrosion rate increased with increasing loads. Corrosion enhancement can be attributed to mechanical–chemical interactions at the steel surface.