Effect of La and CE on the Corrosion Behaviour of Steel Rebar Hrb400e with Mill Scale in Chloride Environments

Abstract

The effect of rare earth elements La and Ce on the corrosion behaviour of steel rebar HRB400E with mill scale was investigated in detail using electrochemical measurements and numerous characterization techniques after salt spray testing with NaCl. The results indicated that addition of La and Ce could decrease the corrosion rates of HRB400RE by more than 50%. During the corrosion process, the protective index of the rust on HRB400ERE was consistently higher than that on HRB400E. The dense and protective mill scale and rust layers formed on HRB400ERE both contributed to the enhanced corrosion resistance of the RE-alloyed steel.

Keywords: HRB400E, rare earths, salt spray tests, mill scale