Rusting Evolution of MnCuP Weathering Steel Submitted to Simulated Industrial Atmospheric Corrosion

The rusting evolution of MnCuP weathering steel in a simulated industrial atmosphere as a function of corrosion duration was investigated by corrosion weight gain, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electrochemical methods. The results indicate that the corrosion kinetics is related closely to the rust composition and electrochemical properties. The corrosion rate is higher during the first corrosion stage, and it is lower during the second corrosion stage. During the first corrosion stage, the rust layer is in low density, discontinuous, and loose, with a lower relative abundance of α-FeOOH. During the second corrosion stage, a compact and protective inner rust layer forms with a higher relative abundance of α-FeOOH, contributing to enhanced rust layer resistance. The rust initially enhances and then stabilizes the cathodic process, but the anodic process tends to be inhibited by the protective rust layer. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests indicate that it is more scientific to evaluate the rust layer protective ability by charge transfer resistance.