Corrosion resistance of E6-glass fibre in simulated oilfield environments

In order to understand the corrosion behaviour of E6-glass fibres in oilfield environments, three different oilfield atmospheres were first given. Morphologies and chemical bonding status of the corroded fibres were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results reveal that corrosion of E6-glass fibres in simulated oilfield acidic media can be primarily attributed to the ion exchange mechanism, which is not only controlled by acid concentration, but is also dominated by the formation of complex ions or insoluble salts. The depletion of cations on E6-glass fibre surface can disrupt the continuity of the glass network, thus disturbing the glass structure and therefore reducing the strength of fibres.