Effect of cathodic potential and corrosion product on tribocorrosion behavior of S420 steel in the marine environment

Anti-corrosion and anti-wear properties of S420 high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel in different marine environments are very important in practical applications. The present work investigated the corrosion evolution and wear properties of S420 steel in the dry environment with corrosion products, and the wet environment at a cathodic potential. It is found that corrosion products can act as protective films to prevent further corrosion and reduce the coefficient of friction (COF). There is a positive interaction between wear and corrosion of S420 steel in the marine environment. Due to the loose porous properties of corrosion products, corrosion behavior increases wear rate. Friction behavior promotes the cathodic and anodic reactions of S420 steel in ASW and increases the corrosion current density. In ASW, the hydrogen segregated layer generated by being applied cathodic potential is responsible for the reduction of COF and wear rate.