Multi-performance evaluation of high-throughput accelerated corrosion test for high-strength low-alloy 921A steel

• Published in: Journal of iron and steel research, international Vol. 31; no. 5; pp. 1260 - 1278
• Main Authors: Du, Cong-cong, Qin, Ming-hua, Wu, Zhan-fang, Li, Dong-ling, Zhao, Lei, Li, Xiang-yang, Wang, Hai-zhou
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Nature Singapore 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Applied and Technical Physics; Engineering; Machines; Manufacturing; Materials Engineering; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Original Paper; Physical Chemistry; Processes; Corrosion characteristics; Rust layer; High-strength low-alloy steel; High-throughput experimental method; Element enrichment; Atmospheric corrosion
• ISSN: 1006-706X; 2210-3988
• DOI: 10.1007/s42243-023-01058-5

The corrosion behavior of high-strength low-alloy 921A steel in a simulated marine atmospheric environment was studied using a high-throughput experimental method. The corrosion behavior, corrosion morphology, and corrosion products of 921A steels were analyzed using various techniques, including corrosion mass loss method, polarization curve, white-light interferometry, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, microbeam X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-ray diffraction technique, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The test results indicated that 921A steel exhibits better corrosion resistance than Q450NQR1 steel in simulated harsh atmospheric environments, as evidenced by a lower corrosion mass loss rate throughout the corrosion tests. The corrosion products of both steels consisted of α-FeOOH, Fe 3 O 4 , and γ-FeOOH, with α-FeOOH being more prevalent in the rust layer of 921A steel than in Q450NQR1 steel. The inner rust layer of 921A steel also exhibited an appositional enrichment region of Cr, Ni, Mo, and V, leading to its superior corrosion resistance compared to that of Q450NQR1 steel. The efficacy of high-throughput accelerated corrosion experimental methods was highlighted for evaluating the corrosion resistance of steel materials in harsh environmental conditions. The findings suggest that 921A steel exhibits better corrosion resistance compared to Q450NQR1 steel and has the potential to be more suitable in harsh marine atmospheric environments. The characterization of the rust layer structures and composition reveals the parallel enrichment of certain elements in the inner rust layer of 921A steel, which enhances its corrosion resistance.