On the Impact of Cathodic Polarization on the Chloride Threshold of Carbon Steel in Alkaline Solutions

This study investigates the influence of cathodic polarization on the chloride threshold ( C T ) for carbon steel in alkaline solutions, analogous to reinforcing steel embedded in concrete, with a focus on the electrochemical steel potential as a critical factor for corrosion initiation. The research, incorporating a literature review and potentiostatic tests, reveals that C T shows potential independence at potentials more anodic than −200 mV SCE and increases for potentials more cathodic than −200 mV SCE . The observed increase in C T under cathodic polarization is attributed to alterations in the passive layer composition, supporting the existence of distinct potential regions that govern the onset of corrosion.