Oxidation of 1018 carbon steel in borate medium by in situ EC-STM: Surface morphology of the oxidized ferrite and pearlite phases (original) (raw)

Microstructures of low carbon steel are ferrite (Fe-␣) and pearlite (alternate mixture of Fe-␣ and Fe 3 C) and each one has its own oxidation mechanism. These two phases were identified using in situ electrochemical scanning tunneling microscopy (EC-STM). Real time images were obtained during the immersion of 1018 carbon steel probes in 0.642 M H 3 BO 3 and 0.1 M NaOH, pH 7.8. Two different corrosion mechanisms (oxide characteristics) were identified and correlated with the observed surface changes.