Corrosion behaviour of a new low-nickel stainless steel in saturated calcium hydroxide solution

Corrosion behaviour of low-nickel stainless steel (SS), AISI 304 SS and carbon steel was studied using cyclic anodic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Saturated calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solution was used to simulate a concrete pore solution at room temperature. The effect of up to 5.0% sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration in the test solution on the passivity of the alloys was studied. Experimental results showed that low-nickel SS exhibits similar behaviour to conventional AISI 304 SS, with Ecorr and Rct values of the same order and higher corrosion resistance than traditional carbon steel.

► Low-nickel stainless steel (SS) as reinforcements embedded in concrete. ► Corrosion resistance of low-nickel SS in saturated Ca(OH)2 solution with different NaCl concentrations is investigated. ► DC and AC tests show a higher resistance compared to carbon steel and a similar behaviour compared to AISI 304 SS. ► Diffusion processes are observed for both SSs showing a more stable and protective passive layer for low-nickel SS.