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Three years outdoor exposure of low carbon steel in Mauritius

Baboo Y. R. Surnam (Department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius.)

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials

ISSN: 0003-5599

Article publication date: 1 June 2015

628

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the corrosion behaviour of carbon steel in the Mauritian atmosphere over a three-year period. Atmospheric corrosion is a serious problem in Mauritius.

Design/methodology/approach

Carbon steel samples were exposed outdoors at various sites. Mass loss analysis was performed to determine the corrosion behaviour of the metal over the exposure period. Scanning electron microscopy and Raman tests were performed to investigate the formation of the corrosion products on the carbon steel surface.

Findings

It was found that the corrosion loss at two of the sites considered did not vary clearly according to the bilogarithmic law. Time of wetness was found to be a main factor affecting atmospheric corrosion in Mauritius. The corrosivity of the atmosphere was found to lie between categories C3 and C4, according to ISO 9223.

Originality/value

The results can be of essential help to the construction industry, especially as steel buildings are becoming very common in Mauritius. Moreover, as Mauritius is a tropical island, the results obtained can be useful in other tropical islands.

Keywords

Citation

Surnam, B.Y.R. (2015), "Three years outdoor exposure of low carbon steel in Mauritius", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 62 No. 4, pp. 246-252. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-12-2013-1328

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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