Corrosion Behavior of Iron Steel Bars on the Ghanaian Market; Elemental Composition and Mechanical Properties Perspective

Abstract

This study seeks to determine the corrosion rates of three major iron rod brands on the Ghanaian market from Local and foreign origin, after exposure to 5% NaCl solution to simulate a salty environment. The impact salty environment has on the mechanical properties (Yield and Ultimate tensile strength) of the Iron rods was determined. After 60 days of exposure of iron rods to the simulated salty environment in the laboratory, appreciable loss in mass was observed, ranging from 14 to 25% for Local and foreign samples respectively. The mechanical properties (Yield and Ultimate tensile strength) of the iron rods were also negatively affected after the 60 days exposure to the salty environment, causing all samples to fail the minimum requirement set by Hellenic for Yield and Ultimate tensile strength.