Insights into the characteristics of corrosion products formed on the contact and exposed regions of C1045 steel bolt and nut fasteners exposed to aqueous chloride environments

This study investigated the characteristics of corrosion products formed on the contact and exposed re-gions of C1045 steel bolt and nut fasteners exposed to aqueous chloride environments.The corroded sur-face morphology,rust compositions,and corrosion kinetics of the bolt specimen were studied by visual observation,optical microscopy(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-Ray diffractometry(XRD),micro-Raman,electron probe micro-analyser(EPMA),and potentiodynamic polarization techniques.Re-sults obtained showed a variation in corrosion kinetics,morphology,and composition of the rust layer which were driven by differential aeration and concentration effects.Due to the availability of sufficient dissolved oxygen,the oxyhydroxide compound,lepidocrocite(γ-FeOOH)was detected in the outer rust layer in the exposed region,whereas the inner rust layer was composed of magnetite(Fe_(3)O_(4)).How-ever,the oxygen-deficient contact surface revealed the presence of akaganeite(β-FeOOH)and magnetite(Fe_(3)O_(4))as dominant oxide phases.The most stable phase,goethite(α-FeOOH)was also detected in the rust formed in both regions,though in significantly low amounts.Furthermore,owing to variation in environmental conditions,the amount and density of the rust layer varied in the different regions.The estimated corrosion stability values for the different regions revealed that the corrosion products formed on the steel surfaces were non-protective,suggesting the need for specific surface treatment as a protec-tive measure.

Active anticorrosion and self-healing coatings:A review with focus on multi-action smart coating strategies

The development of smart coatings with potential for active anticorrosion and self-healing protection of metals is essential for long-term performance of metallic structures in aggressive chemical environments.Presently,emphasis has been placed on the development of advanced smart coatings for corrosion protection in different applications.Innovative multifunctional coatings with fascinating stimuliresponsive functionalities are considered“smart”.The stimuli-responsive functionalities of these smart coatings when properly harnessed result in a class of coatings with inherent autonomous control of corrosion.Fundamentally,when metals are exposed to aggressive environments,occurrences at the metalsolution interface cause environmental changes.These changes can be controlled when triggers from external environment set off active components of smart coating,thereby enhancing coating’s life and functionality.Common triggers include the availability of moisture,concentration of chloride ion,p H gradient,mechanical damage,impact,fatigue,light,redox activity and temperature.In this review,recent technological trends in active anticorrosion and self-healing coatings as functional routes for metal protection are summarized,stimuli responsiveness and mechanisms of inhibition are discussed,and recent multi-action protective systems are particularly focused on.

Corrosion Behaviour of Carbon Steel Fasteners in Neutral Chloride Solution

An experimental model for simulating the corrosion of carbon steel fasteners(bolt and nut) composed of a contact carbon steel electrode(CCSE) and an exposed bare carbon steel plate electrode(BCSE) was designed. The effect of coupling on the corrosion process of the galvanically coupled carbon steel electrode was evaluated and compared with the self-corrosion process observed independently at the exposed and contact regions. Results obtained indicated that at an equal area ratio and uncoupled conditions, the corrosion rate is accelerated in the surface directly exposed to bulk solution compared to the bolt surface in contact with the nut. A coupling current was recorded when the exposed surface(BCSE) was electrically connected with the contact surface(CCSE);with the CCSE acting as the anode thereby suppressing the corrosion process in the exposed surface. By implication, the galvanic coupling between CCSE and BCSE increased the corrosion rate of CCSE. The diff erence in oxygen supply was responsible for the coupling effect observed in the system as there was no decrease in the solution pH. Moreover, varying the cathode-to-anode area( S c/S a) ratio significantly influenced the corrosion current density as increased S c/S a ratio resulted in an accelerated galvanic corrosion process. The corroded surfaces and interfaces were analysed using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diff ractometry was adopted for corrosion product characterization. The results obtained showed supportive evidence of the corrosion behaviour in carbon steel fasteners.

Inhibition of galvanic corrosion in Al/Cu coupling model by synergistic combination of 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole-5-thiol and cerium chloride

Asynergistic inhibition study was carried out on an aluminium/copper galvanic coupling model in neutral aerated NaCl solution using scanning vibrating electrode technique(SVET).The approach allows the simulation of the local micro-galvanic cells of AA2024-T3 obtained from the potential difference between the intermetallic particles(IMPs)and the aluminium matrix.The inhibition effect of CeCl3 and 3-Amino-1,2,4-triazole-5-thiol(ATAT)was demonstrated by the reduction in the galvanic current density over Al and Cu surfaces.An improved inhibition from positive synergistic effect was revealed by the combination of the two inhibitors after 24 h of immersion,with the best inhibition recorded for Ce1.5ATAT3.5.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)and time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry(ToF-SIMS)were used to characterize the Ce-and ATAT-based complex film formed and to illustrate the mechanism of inhibition.