The effect of chloride, sulfate, and carbonate ions on the electrochemical behavior of steel in a simulated concrete environment has been studied using alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) techniques. Plain carbon steel acquires a passive layer in uncontaminated saturated calcium hydroxide solutions. The addition of chloride, sulfate, and carbonate ions leads to a modification of the original passive film, and lowers the pH of the solution, leading to the breakdown of the passive layer and an increase in the rate of corrosion.

Subject
Hydroxides, Passive films, Sulfates, Sodium chloride, Impedance, Calcium, Nyquist plots, Sodium chloride solution, Film formation, Salt concentration, Steel, Carbon steel, Chlorides
Keywords:
AC impedance, corrosion, passivity, pitting, rebar
National Association of Corrosion Engineers
1990
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