Influence of Rust Layers on the Corrosion Behavior of Ultra-High Strength Steel 300M Subjected to Wet–Dry cyclic Environment with Chloride and Low Humidity

The influence of rust layers on the corrosion behavior of ultra-high strength steel 300 M subjected to a simulated coastal atmosphere was investigated by corrosion weight loss, surface analysis techniques, and electrochemical methods.The results exhibit the presence of a large proportion of c-Fe OOH and a-Fe OOH and a small amount of Fe3O4 in the outer rust layer. During the wet–dry cyclic process, the bonding performance and the density of outer rust layer deteriorate with the thickness of outer rust. The inner rust layer plays a main role on protectiveness, which can be attributed to the formation of an ultra-dense and adherent rust film with major constituent of a-Fe OOH and a-Fe2O3 on the steel.