A New Understanding on AC Corrosion of Pipeline Steel in Alkaline Environment

In this work, the corrosion behavior of X80 pipeline steel at various frequencies AC was investigated in carbonate/bicarbonate solution using the polarization curve, EIS test, Mott-Schottky curve and immersion tests. A new understanding on AC corrosion of the steel in alkaline environment is proposed. Decreasing AC frequency negatively shifts the corrosion potential and increases the corrosion rate of steel, as well as corrosion pits occur more readily. The superimposed AC shifts the critical pitting potential negatively and degrades the passivity of the steel. AC reduces the compactness and uniformity of the passive film formed on the steel and increases the possibility of the breakdown of the film, as well decreases the film thickness. The application of AC could prevent the passive film forming on the surface of X80 steel and result in a destructive effect on the film formed on the steel surface, especially at the low-frequency AC.