In situ characterization of naphthenic corrosion of API 5L X70 steel at room temperature

Different in situ coupled techniques were used to characterize the naphthenic corrosion of API 5L X70 steel at room temperature. In situ optical microscopy coupled with an electrochemical noise technique indicated a general corrosion process. In situ AFM images showed the early formation of the corrosion product with a thickness of 600 nm after 90 min of immersion. The main regions observed in the temporal evolution of FTIR spectra are evidence of the formation of an iron naphthenate film even at room temperature.