Effect of immersion time on the corrosion behaviour of X70 and X80 line pipe steels in simulated concrete pore solution

The current study investigates the influence of immersion time (7, 14, 21, and 28 days) on the corrosion behaviour of American Petroleum Institute (API) X70 and X80 steel grades in freely aerated simulated concrete pore solution (pH 12 to 13.8) utilizing electrochemical techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, linear polarization, and cyclic polarization. The electrochemical results suggest that the corrosion resistance of X70 line pipe steel increases as immersion time increases (from 7 to 28 days) due to the formation of a stable protective oxide layer on the surface. In the case of X80 line pipe steel, however, the corrosion resistance increases as immersion time increases from 7 to 14 days due to the preferential dissolution of bainite as a result of its higher activity, which initiates the formation of passive film. Furthermore, after 21 days of immersion of X80 line pipe steel in simulated pore solution, a considerable decline in corrosion resistance was observed, which indicates de-passivation, as a result of an increase in oxide film thickness and subsequent spalling off. Intriguingly, as compared to X80 line pipe steel, X70 line pipe steel has a greater potential for producing a stable protective oxide layer without the appearance of minor cracks after a 28-day immersion period, thereby preventing further corrosion and enhancing corrosion resistance.