Effect of interfacial film on the corrosion behaviour of X80 pipeline steel in a neutral soil environment containing sulphate-reducing bacteria

Abstract

AbstractX80 pipeline steel is inevitably corroded by sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) in soil. Corrosion-induced damage to the pipeline steel could result in serious consequences. Studies have shown the critical role of interfacial film in SRB-induced corrosion. However, the specific effect of interfacial film was not examined. The effect of film on the corrosion of X80 steel in neutral soil environment was determined using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The structure and electrochemical characteristics of the surface film of X80 steel were examined in the presence of SRB in Shenyang soil. The results showed that, at the beginning of immersion (14 h), the steel surface mainly adsorbed the SRB biofilm, and the biofilm slowed down the corrosion reaction. A small amount of the biofilm and corrosion product film was observed on the electrode surface after immersion for 14–48 h. The corrosion product film destroyed the protection of the biofilm, increasing corrosion. After immersion for 48 h, the corrosion product contents and polarisation resistance increased. After immersion for 240 h, a dense corrosion product film formed on the sample surface, showing the least corrosion. The protective effect of corrosion products on X80 steel was much greater than that of the biofilm.