Corrosion of welded steel specimens in industrial steel plant atmospheres

Abstract

Corrosion of mild steel (both hot and cold rolled) and type 304 stainless steel in welded and unwelded form was studied in the industrial environment of a steel works. Corrosion rates were determined by weight loss and the nature of the corrosion damage and its propagation were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The welded mild steel samples corroded faster than the unwelded specimens, gas welded samples being more corrosion prone than electric arc welded samples. The cold rolled samples corroded faster than the hot rolled samples. Preferential corrosion attack occurred in the welded zone rather than the parent metal. © 1987 Maney Publishing.