Investigation of corrosion properties of low carbon steels containing low boron in acidic and saltwater medium

In this study, corrosion behavior of low carbon steels containing low boron in acidic and saltwater medium was investigated. Boron is an alloying element particularly used to improve the mechanical properties of steels. In order to determine the effects of boron addition on corrosion behavior, boron free, 15, 20 and 100 ppm boron containing SAE 1020 steels were examined. Corrosion tests were performed in a solution of 0.1 M sulfuric acid solution (H2SO4) and 0.1 M sodium chloride (NaCl) solution. Result of electrochemical corrosion test by potentiodynamic method showed that the corrosion rate increased with boron addition and these steels have better corrosion resistance in saltwater medium than in acidic medium