Spectroscopic study of decontaminated corroded carbon steel surfaces

Removal of uranium from contaminated carbon steel surfaces by chelation with hydroxycarboxylic acid has been tested as a cleaning process for decommissioning and decontaminating contaminated surfaces. Comparison of contaminated surfaces prior to decontamination with subsequently cleaned surfaces was done in order to study the effectiveness of this cleaning technique. This was accomplished using various spectroscopic techniques, including x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. Mild carbon steel (1010) coupons were exposed to uranyl nitrate solution, which led to the formation of a lightly corroded surface. Some contaminated samples underwent further cyclic humidity treatment, during which additional corrosion took place. In this study, it was found that a citric acid–hydrogen peroxide–citric acid cleaning method successfully removed uranium in lightly corroded areas. However, the method but incompletely decontaminated some heavily corroded areas where more highly crystallized corrosion products are found or where complex surface structure can occlude contaminants. Use of complementary analytical techniques is essential to provide an accurate model of surface chemistry before and after decontamination. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of temperature on CO2 corrosion of carbon steel

This work investigates the effect of temperature on the corrosion product layer of carbon steel exposed to a CO₂‐containing solution. The measurement techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, were used to systematically characterize the morphology and composition of the corrosion product layer. The corrosion rates were calculated by weight loss method. The corrosion mechanisms as a function of temperature are studied and discussed. The results showed that temperature is an important factor in the corrosion rate of carbon steel. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characteristics of CO2 corrosion scale formed on P110 steel in simulant solution with saturated CO2

The SEM, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and XPS were employed to systematically characterize the component and microstructure of the corrosion scale formed on P110 steel exposed to carbon dioxide (CO₂) environment. A loose and porous microstructure in corrosion scale was observed under turbulent flow condition for 120 h at 100 °C with a carbon dioxide partial pressure of 4 MPa in which the principal component was iron carbonate (FeCO₃), whereas at 160 °C the corrosion scale was composed mainly of FeCO₃ and a little amount of FeO(OH). In addition, complex carbonate (Mg,Fe)CO₃ was produced because some Fe positions in FeCO₃ lattice were substituted by Mg. It showed that a double‐layer structure of corrosion scale was observed at 160 °C compared with the result at 100 °C. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The influence of alkali‐degreasing on the chemical composition of hot‐dip galvanized steel surfaces

The influence of dipping temperature and time on the surface chemistry of hot‐dipped galvanized steel sheets during the alkaline degreasing process is investigated. The surface chemistry was monitored with scanning Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF‐SIMS). The results show high Al concentrations on the untreated surfaces, which are significantly reduced during alkaline degreasing. The same conclusions could be drawn for the carbon compounds that accumulate on the surface during storage. The measurements reveal a gradual reduction in surface Al as the alkali solution temperature and/or degreasing time are increased. When degreasing was conducted at 70 °C for 30 s the surface was practically free from Al, which was present only in small islands. Furthermore, the experiments showed that the thickness of the oxide film covering the surfaces before and after alkaline degreasing is approximately 20 Å. The main constituents of the film varied from ZnAl hydroxide/oxide to Zn hydroxide/oxide, before and after degreasing, respectively. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental,DFT studies and molecular dynamic simulation on the corrosion inhibition of carbon steel in 1 M HCl by two newly synthesized 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives

In the present work, two new 8-hydroxyquinoline derivatives namely, 5-(((2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino)methyl) 8-hydroxyquinoline [HBMQ] and 5-(((4-chlorobenzylidene)amino)methyl) 8-hydroxyquinoline [CBMQ] were synthesized and investigated as corrosion inhibitors against the dissolution of carbon steel (C38 steel) in 1 M HCl. These compounds were obtained with high yield, and their structures were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and elemental analysis. Gravimetric, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), and surface morphology analyses utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to quantify inhibitory performance. The adsorption process of inhibitory compounds was then demonstrated using quantum mechanics approaches such as Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamic Simulation (MD). Based on EIS results, the investigated derivatives effectively inhibit the degradation of C38 steel over the entire concentration range with a maximum efficiency of 91.9% and 88.0% for [CBMQ] and [HBMQ], respectively, at 10^?3 M. In addition, the PDP studies revealed that [HBMQ] and [CBMQ] compounds acted according to a mixed-type mechanism. Moreover, the adsorption mechanism follows the Langmuir isotherm model. The quantum theoretical study by DFT and MD simulation confirmed the experimental results.     

Characterization of chemical information and morphology for in‐depth oxide layers in decarburized electrical steel with glow discharge sputtering

A combination of scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy with a sampling method by glow discharge sputtering was successfully employed to characterize the chemical information and microscopic features of oxide layers formed during decarburization annealing of electrical steel in the depth direction at high resolution. The discontinuous surface oxides consisted of SiO₂, (Fe,Mn)SiO₃/(Fe,Mn)₂SiO₄, and FeO. SiO₂ embedded in the (Fe,Mn)₂SiO₄ at the surface may be developed by the preferential nucleation and growth kinetics. The discrete or often relatively spherical oxides of internal oxidation by the energetically favorable surface effect were identified as a mixture of SiO₂ and (Fe,Mn)₂SiO₄ at a depth of ~0.5 µm from the surface. The oxides of networks and small particles at a depth greater than ~1 µm were solely silica, of which the morphologies were possibly caused by the enhanced diffusion of oxygen atoms and Si atoms at grain boundaries or sub‐grain boundaries. The equilibrium and kinetic considerations served by theoretical calculations were introduced to understand the formation and behavior of the observed in‐depth oxidation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

AFM and FTIR studies of organic cation adsorption on carbon steel coupled with stainless steel

The electrochemical behavior of the anode of the galvanic couple and the adsorption behavior of the cationic inhibitor on it have been investigated by using electrochemical methods, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) technology. A galvanic electrode was prepared by coupling N80 carbon steel (CS) and S31803 stainless steel. All experiments were performed in NaCl solution in the presence or absence of an inhibitor. The results show that, in aqueous NaCl solution, CS carries negative excess charge, for the couple, positive charge is carried on the CS side (anode). The adsorption behavior of the cationic inhibitor on CS is significantly affected by the excess charge carried on it. Owing to the charge interaction between electrodes and the cationic inhibitor, the inhibitor has a greater tendency to adsorb on the single CS and less tendency to adsorb on the CS of the couple. Because of this, the adsorption film on the anode (CS side) of the couple is thin and defective. The failure of inhibiting galvanic corrosion attributes to the defective protective layer formed on the anodic area. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Corrosion resistances of passive films on low‐Cr steel and carbon steel in simulated concrete pore solution

The passive ranges of carbon steel rebar and 3Cr steel rebar in saturated Ca(OH)₂‐simulated concrete pore solution with pH 12.6 were determined by means of cyclic voltammetry and potentiodynamic polarization curves. Chronopotentiometry was used to obtain steady‐state conditions for the formation of passive films on rebar samples at different anodic potentials. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Mott–Schottky and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer curves were employed to compare the formed passive films at different potentials. Additionally, cyclic polarization curves were used to compare the corrosion resistances of formed passive films on the two rebars in saturated Ca(OH)₂‐simulated concrete pore solution with different concentration of Cl^?. The results show that the passive ranges of the two rebars are all between ?0.15 and +0.6 V, and more stable passive films can be formed on both rebars at the anodic potential of +0.3 V. In the absence of Cl^?, the stability and corrosion resistance of the passive film formed on the 3Cr rebar are better than those of CS rebar. The passive film of 3Cr steel has the relatively better pitting corrosion resistance than carbon steel in saturated Ca(OH)₂‐simulated concrete pore solution that contains different concentration of Cl^?. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

4-phenyl-decahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one as novel and effective corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution: A combined experimental and empirical studies

The heterocyclic system, namely 4-phenyl-decahydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one (POBZ) was inspected as a corrosion inhibitor of carbon steel (CS) in a 1 M HCl medium through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization measurements (PDP), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental data indicate that the inhibiting action augments with augmenting POBZ amount and reduces with augmenting temperature. The inhibiting action efficiency of 90.98% is obtained with 0.001 M at 303 K. The potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) results mentioned that the POBZ is of mixed type. The adsorption of POBZ on the CS followed Langmuir isotherm. SEM exams affirmed that the steel surface is smooth in presence of POBZ. In light of the calculations of density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics simulation, the mechanism of POBZ inhibitory activity was addressed.     

Multi‐instrument characterization of the surfaces and materials in microfabricated,carbon nanotube‐templated thin layer chromatography plates. An analogy to ‘The Blind Men and the Elephant’

We apply a suite of analytical tools to characterize materials created in the production of microfabricated thin layer chromatography plates. Techniques used include X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), valence band spectroscopy, time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) in both positive and negative ion modes, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS), and helium ion microscopy. Materials characterized include: the Si(100) substrate with native oxide: Si/SiO₂, alumina (35 nm) deposited as a diffusion barrier on the Si/SiO₂: Si/SiO₂/Al₂O₃, iron (6 nm) thermally evaporated on the Al₂O₃: Si/SiO₂/Al₂O₃/Fe, the iron film annealed in H₂ to make Fe catalyst nanoparticles: Si/SiO₂/Al₂O₃/Fe(NP), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown from the Fe nanoparticles: Si/SiO₂/Al₂O₃/Fe(NP)/CNT. The Fe films and nanoparticles appear in an oxidized state. Some of the analyses of the CNTs/CNT forests appear to be unique: (i) the CNT forest appears to exhibit an interesting ‘channeling’ phenomenon by RBS, (ii) we observe an odd–even effect in the SIMS spectra of C_n^‐ species for n = 1 – 6, with the n ≥ 6 ions showing a steady decrease in intensity, and (iii) valence band characterization of CNTs using X‐radiation is reported. Initial analysis of the CNT forest by XPS shows that it is 100 at.% carbon. After one year, only ca. 0.25 at.% oxygen is observed. The information obtained from the combination of the different analytical tools provides a more complete understanding of our materials than a single technique, which is analogous to the story of ‘The Blind Men and the Elephant’. The raw XPS and ToF‐SIMS spectra from this study will be submitted to Surface Science Spectra for archiving. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Deposition studies of carbon particles on stainless steel surfaces from hydrocarbon media

The adsorption isotherms for carbon particles of about 200 nm size, in the presence of various combinations of a terminally functionalised (amine) polyisobutylene polymer and alkylpropoxylate/alkylbutoxylate surfactant molecules, on 7 μm diameter stainless steel beads from isooctane solutions have been obtained. The deposition of carbon particles on stainless steel plates was achieved using a flow-cell and analysed using scanning electron microscopy. The flow-cell was also used to study the “cleaning” properties of various polymer/surfactant solutions, in their ability to remove deposited particles. It was found that the polymer molecules were much more effective dispersants and stabilisers for the carbon particles, but the surfactant molecules were much better at effecting anti-deposition and subsequent removal of deposited carbon particles, and provide carried adsorbed polymer chains.     

Formation of ultra-thin prussian blue layer on carbon steel that promotes adherence of hybrid polypyrrole based protective coating

Electrodeposition of well-adhering polypyrrole-based hybrid films containing hexacyanoferrate(II,III) anions from neutral solutions of pyrrole and potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) on medium carbon (0.48% C) steel has been described. The resulting polypyrrole coatings that are doped with hexacyanoferrate(II,III) anions show protective properties against pitting corrosion of carbon steel substrates in strongly acidic media containing chlorides (0.1 mol dm^–3 HCl + 0.4 mol dm^–3 NaCl). Polypyrrole acts as a stable host matrix for inorganic anions. The presence of negatively charged species (hexacyanoferrates) in the polymer backbone tends to block the access of pitting-causing anions (chlorides) to the surface of steel. The Fe(CN)₆^3-/4– anions existing in the vicinity of steel substrate stabilizes its surface by forming an overcoating in the form of sparingly soluble metal hexacyanoferrate, mostly Prussian blue (PB), microstructures. It has been demonstrated that by applying cyclic voltammetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the presence of traces of free cyanide anions promotes the formation of PB on carbon steel surface which results in increasing the adherence of polypyrrole-based films to the metallic substrate. Morphology of the protective composite films is also addressed.Dedicated to Prof. G. Horanyi on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

The Bio-Patina on a Hypogeum Wall of the Matera-Sassi Rupestrian Church “San Pietro Barisano” before and after Treatment with Glycoalkaloids

The investigation focused on the deterioration of the walls in the hypogeum of “San Pietro Barisano” rupestrian church, located in the Matera-Sassi (Southern Italy), one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The study evaluated the biocide activity of a mixture of natural glycoalkaloids (GAs) extracted from the unripe fruit of Solanum nigrum and applied to clean a hypogeum wall surface in the church affected by bio-patinas. The analyzed bio-patina, collected before treatment and, at pre-established times, after treatment, showed changes in chemical composition detected by XPS, accompanied by visible discoloration and biological activity variation. The biocidal action of the glycoalkaloids mixture, directly employed on the wall surface, was effective after about four weeks for most bio-patina colonizers but not for the fungal species that can migrate and survive in the porosities of the calcarenite. Consequently, the cleaning procedure requires the integration of fungicidal actions, combined with the consolidation of the surfaces, to obtain complete bioremediation and avoid subsequent biological recolonization. SEM images and associated microanalysis of pretreated bio-patina have revealed the biocalcogenity of some autochthonous microorganisms, thus preluding to their eventual isolation and reintroduction on the wall surface to act as consolidants once the bio-cleaning phase has been completed.     

XPS depth profile study of porous zirconia films deposited on stainless steel by spray pyrolysis: the problem of substrate corrosion

Zirconia (ZrO₂) films of tissue‐like structure and narrow pore size distribution have been deposited by spray pyrolysis using aqueous zirconyl chloride octahydrate (ZrOCl₂·8H₂O) precursor solutions. Stainless‐steel sheets, protected or unprotected by a ZnO barrier layer, have been used as the substrate material held at 473 K. The ZnO barrier layers have been deposited on the stainless steel held at 523 K by spray pyrolysis using a zinc acetate precursor. Their property of corrosion protection to stainless steel has been proved by electrochemical polarization measurements in 0.5 M NaCl solution. A complementary study of XPS (depth profiling, mapping) and x‐ray diffraction has shown that the unprotected steel substrates were corroded during ZrO₂ film post‐annealing in air at T ≥ 773 K, whereas steel substrates protected with a compact barrier layer of crystalline ZnO before ZrO₂ film deposition did not show surface corrosion even after annealing up to 997 K. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Monitoring corrosion and corrosion control of low alloy ASTM A213 grade T22 boiler steel in HCl solutions

Rates of corrosion of low alloy ASTM A213 grade T22 boiler steel were monitored in aerated stagnant 0.50 M HCl solutions at different temperatures (283–303 K) using Tafel extrapolation method and the non-destructive electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) technique, complemented with XPS examinations. Serine (Ser) was introduced as a corrosion-safe inhibitor. Corrosion rates (in μm y^?1) obtained from these two methods was in good agreement. Tafel plots showed that Ser acted mainly as a cathodic-type inhibitor. The inhibition process was attributed to the formation of an adsorbed film on the metal surface that protects the metal against corrosive agents. XPS examinations of the electrode surface confirmed the existence of such adsorbed film. The inhibition efficiency increased with increase in Ser concentration, while it decreased with temperature, suggesting physical adsorption. Activation energies have been calculated in the absence and presence of various concentrations of Ser by measuring the temperature dependence of the corrosion rate obtained from the two methods employed. It was found that the activation energy in the presence of Ser is higher than that in bare HCl solution. The adsorptive behaviour of Ser followed Temkin-type isotherm. The standard free energy of adsorption was estimated to be ?25 kJ mol^?1 at 303 K. These results confirmed the occurrence of physical adsorption.     

Effect of acetic acid on CO2 corrosion of carbon steel in NaCl solution

Potentiodynamic sweep and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were applied to investigate the effects of both temperature and acetic acid (HAc) on the anodic and cathodic reactions in CO₂ corrosion of P110 steel in 3.5% NaCl solution. The temperatures were controlled at 30 and 60 °C. The concentrations of HAc were controlled at 0, 1000, 3000 and 5000 ppm. In this work, the corrosion parameters of polarization curves, such as corrosion potential (E_corr), corrosion current density (i_corr), and anodic and cathodic branch slopes (b_a and b_c), are presented and discussed in detail. In addition, the equivalent circuit models and ZsimpWin software were utilized to discuss the Nyquist plots. The plots showed that the E_corr values shifted in the positive direction as the HAc concentration increased. The i_corr values increased with the increase in HAc concentration, indicating that HAc could accelerate the corrosion. The impedance spectra measured at 30 and 60 °C have different time constants and characterization. The coverage fraction θ and the thickness L of corrosion film are two most important controlled variables that influence and control the CO₂ corrosion mechanisms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Corrosion inhibition of mild steel by highly stable polydentate schiff base derived from 1,3- propanediamine in aqueous acidic solution

Recently, the hydrolysis of Schiff bases under experimental conditions gives suspicion for their corrosion inhibition performance. The current study employs a stable Schiff base namely, 2,2′-{propane-1,3-diylbis[azanylylidene (E) methanylylidene]}bis(6-methoxyphenol) (LPD) as corrosion inhibitor for mild steel (MS) in 1 M HCl solution. The presence of the characteristic peak of the imine group in UV-visible spectra was taken as an indicator for LPD stability in acidic media. The inhibition action was examined using electrochemical techniques including potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) besides gravimetric measurement. The inhibition efficiency reached 95.93 % for 0.75 mM LPD after 24 h of immersion at 25 °C. This high efficiency is owing to the presence of the characteristic imine group and other heteroatoms and π- electrons of the aromatic benzene rings. The mechanism of inhibition depends on adsorption phenomena on mild steel surface which obeys Langmuir isotherm model. The calculated values of adsorption equilibrium constant (K_ads), adsorption free energy ΔG_ads, adsorption enthalpy ΔH_ads and adsorption entropy ΔS_ads indicated spontaneous exothermic adsorption process of both physical and chemical nature. By rising temperature, the inhibition efficiency of LPD was decreased. The calculated activation energy was increased as the concentration of LPD increased. LPD was considered as a mixed-type inhibitor as indicated from PDP measurements. The obtained surface morphology and composition analysis using SEM/EDS, AFM and FTIR techniques ensures the high efficiency of LPD as corrosion inhibitor.     

Corrosion protection performance of ceria‐copolymer bilayer coating on low nickel stainless steel in 0.5 M H2SO4 medium

In this paper, we have reported the anti‐corrosion performance of ceria / poly (indole‐co‐pyrrole) (Ce/(poly(In‐co‐Py)) bilayer coating on low nickel stainless steel (LN SS). Electrochemical polymerization of (poly (In‐co‐Py)) was achieved on ceria‐coated LN SS (CeO₂/LN SS) in acetonitrile medium containing LiClO₄ (ACN‐LiClO₄) by cyclic voltammetric technique. The coatings were characterized by analytical techniques like Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive analysis of X‐ray, respectively. The mechanical behavior of the coatings was studied using peel test, hardness and wear resistance tests. The corrosion defensive performance of this bilayer coating on LN SS was investigated using electrochemical techniques such as potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 0.5 M H₂SO₄. These results show that the bilayer coating on LN SS lowered the permeability of corrosive ions present in the acidic medium and thus acts as a barrier against the attack of corrosive environment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Assessment by XPS and electrochemical techniques of two molecular organosilane films prepared on stainless‐steel surfaces

The ability of silane groups to chemosorb on mechanically polished stainless‐steel surfaces has been investigated. Accordingly, tridecafluoro‐1,1,2,2‐tetrahydrooctyltrichlorosilane and the tridecafluoro‐1,1,2,2‐tetrahydrooctyltriethoxysilane, two organosilanes of similar chain length terminated with hydrophobic non‐reactive functions, have been tested as probe molecules. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization, optical microscopy imaging, electrochemistry and contact angle measurements have been performed to characterize bare and modified samples. Results reported in this work show the influence of time of immersion and coupling agent reactive group on self‐assembled monolayer formation. It emerges that silanization by triethoxysilanes in millimolar solutions is not suitable for producing chemically bonded organic films with high density. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.