Chloride resistance of Cr-bearing alloy steels in carbonated concrete pore solutions

The effect of carbonation on the chloride resistance of low-carbon steel and two Cr-bearing alloy steels in simulated concrete pore solutions was investigated. The chloride threshold values of steels were determined on the basis of corrosion potential (Ecorr) and polarization resistance (Rp). Moreover, the chloride-induced corrosion behavior of steels was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, cathodic potentiodynamic polarization, and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. Alloy steels have higher chloride resistance than low-carbon steel in carbonated and non-carbonated concrete pore solutions. The chloride resistance of alloy steels improves with increasing Cr content. In addition, the chloride resistance of all steels is negatively affected by the carbonation of concrete pore solution, especially for alloy steel with high Cr content in the presence of high chloride content.