Short-term atmospheric corrosion of mild steel at two weather and pollution monitored sites

Results are recorded of topographical details, weight loss and corrosion product analysis for short-term atmospheric exposure of mild steel, in relation to weather and pollutant factors. Various structured corrosion features, e.g. doughnut-like, were noted. The major corrosion product found was γ-Fe₂O₃,H₂O, with some α-Fe₂O₃,H₂O and α-FeOOH.Wet initial conditions of exposure and subsequent high levels of humidity, were found to have the dominant overriding effect in promoting corrosion losses. Smoke was shown to be capable of exerting a very strong influence upon the effective corrosivity of atmospheric sulphur dioxide.