The corrosion behavior of weathering bridge steel with oxide scale in different corrosion environments

The corrosion behavior of Q345 weathering bridge steel (Q345WS) with oxide scale in simulated different environments was investigated by corrosion kinetics, SEM, XRD and polarization curves. The results demonstrate that the corrosion behavior of Q345WS in three wet-dry cyclic environments are influenced by oxide scale. The corrosion tendency of Q345WS with oxide scale is V-shaped curve due to the formation of loose rust layer in simulated deicing salt and mixed environments, while that of Q345WS in stimulated industrial environment is divided into two different linear stages. The main role of oxide scale is similar in different environments, which has a protective effect in the early stage of all corrosion. Nevertheless, potential difference is easy to be caused in the middle of corrosion, and it has little effect on the later period.