Characteristics of Corrosion Product Layer Formed on Weathering Steel Exposed to the Tropical Climate of Vietnam

The weathering steel (Corten B) was exposed to out-door atmosphere of Hanoi (urban site) and Donghoi (marine site). The results showed the protective ability of corrosion product layer formed on weathering steel in the initial stage. The SEM-EDX analysis detected the presence of chromium and copper in the inner layers of corrosion product formed on weathering steel. These elements improved corrosion resistance of corrosion product layers. In addition, the dense α-FeOOH phase were appeared early in corrosion product which is detected by X-ray diffraction and Micro Raman investigations. The results of polarization and EIS measurements also demonstrated the protectiveness of the corrosion product of weathering steel.