An electrochemical method based on OCP fluctuations for anti-corrosion alloy composition optimization

Abstract

Purpose An electrochemical method based on the open circuit potential (OCP) fluctuations was put forward. It can be used to optimize the alloy compositions for improving the corrosion resistance of rust layer. Design/methodology/approach The potential trends and potential fluctuations of carbon steels in seawater were separated by Hodrick–Prescott filter. The Spearman correlation coefficient and max information coefficient were used to explore the correlation of alloy compositions and potential fluctuations. Findings After long-term immersion, potential fluctuation resistance (PFR) can be used to characterize the corrosion resistance of metals and its rust layers. In the 1,500 to 2,500 h exposure period, Fe, C and S compositions have strong negative correlations, whereas PFR and P composition have weak negative correlations. Mn, Cu and Ti alloy compositions help the rust layer of carbon steels have higher PFRs. These elements that exhibit higher PFRs in this period have been confirmed to have the effect on improving the corrosion resistance of rust layer. Originality/value A new computing method for alloy composition optimization of carbon steels based on the OCP fluctuations was put forward. This method combines electrochemical monitoring with the long-term actual seawater environmental tests of various carbon steels.