Corrosion Protection of Mild Steel by a Calcite Layer

Abstract

Artificial calcite lining represents a novel technique for the rehabilitation of water mains. Calcite linings, similar to the commonly used cement-mortar linings, are of porous nature. The corrosion protection mechanisms of calcite linings were investigated by polarization techniques, complemented by scanning electron microscopy observations and energy dispersive spectrometry analyses. The effect of time on lining durability was examined by exposure of coated mild steel (1020) coupons in a controlled flowing water system. Iron ion distributions in calcite sections, before and after exposure to water flow, indicate that the calcite corrosion protection mechanism is based mainly on accumulation of corrosion products inside the lining. At the calcite−metal interface, a protective film is formed. At the calcite−water interface, the calcite structure, being alkaline with respect to the water, promotes precipitation of the iron ions and blockage of the pores near that interface. The formation of this protective...