Influence of Alloying Elements on the Marine Corrosion of Low Alloy Steels Determined by Statistical Analysis of Published Literature Data

Abstract

Available literature data on the general corrosion of low alloy steels during full immersion in sea water and during exposure in the tidal zone were analysed statistically. The results obtained from tests at various locations lead to similar conclusions regarding the influence of specific alloying elements on the corrosion rate of low alloy steels. The effect of alloying elements depends on the type of exposure. The influence of some important alloying elements is also strongly time dependent. Predictions of the corrosion behaviour of certain low alloy steels based on the results of relatively short exposure tests are therefore unreliable as a basis for the application of such steels in structures that will be exposed to sea water corrosion for a long period.