Electrochemical Performance Study of Rust Layer on Cu-P-RE Weathering Steel

Corrosion rates of 10PCuRE steels with different rate earth contents and plain carbon steel were studied by dry-wet cycle immersion test. The corrosion resistance of rust layer on rare earths weathering steel and carbon steel was studied through the electrochemical means of polarization test and electrochemical impedance spectra. The difference of corrosion resistance of testing steels was analyzed through electrochemical means. The 10PCuRE steels whose rare earths content is smaller than 0.016% have good performance of corrosion resistance because corrosion potential of the steel is positive and resistance of rust layer is large. The results showed that rare earths of proper content could diminish corrosion tendency and promote the formation of the steady and compact rust layer.