Effect of Cu addition in pipeline steels on microstructure, mechanical properties and microbiologically influenced corrosion

Abstract

In the present study, Cu-modified pipeline steels were fabricated to mitigate MIC by the antimicrobial ability of Cu element. The microstructure, mechanical properties and the antimircobial performance of the Cu-modified steel were systematically investigated. The Cu-modified steels showed good antimicrobial performance with remarkable strength enhancement by nanoscale Cu-rich precipitates and good impact toughness without changing the original base microstructures after the optimal aging treatment of 500 °C/1 h.