Effect of Ni on the oxidation behavior of corrosion products that form on low alloy steel exposed to a thin electrolyte layer environment

The oxidation behavior of corrosion products that form on Ni-containing low alloy steel was investigated by electrochemical polarization curves, scanning electron microscopy, electron probe micro-analyzer, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The corrosion products were oxidized to Green Rust containing Cl- (Green Rust(Cl-)) and an amorphous substance, which were produced in an ordinary- and negative-pressure environment, respectively. The enrichment of Ni in the corrosion product could inhibit two oxidation reactions of the corrosion product, especially inhibiting the formation of amorphous substances. In addition, oxygen reduction could be also suppressed via the enrichment of Ni.