EIS study of the effect of high levels of SO2 on the corrosion of polyester-coated galvanised steel at different relative humidities

The effect of SO₂ on the degradation of polyester-coated galvanised steel at different relative humidities was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Measurements were performed on specimens which had been tested in an accelerated gaseous corrosion test. For this purpose the samples were subjected to SO₂ gas for 16 days in atmospheric test cells with adjusted relative humidity (RH) from 60 to 100%. Subsequently, the impedance response of the coated material was measured and evaluated. The results indicated that the coating performance varies with RH. Thus, under condensing conditions, the organic coating and galvanised layer was totally removed, the impedance response being interpreted as the formation of an iron sulphide film on the surface. At lower RH, remarkably, the coating remained effectively intact with the coating resistance varying inversely with RH. This work is relevant to the application of such organic-coated products adjacent to combustion flues where high levels of SO₂ occur in association with high humidity.