Effect of environment on corrosion characteristics of newly developed DMR-1700 structural steel

Abstract

The corrosion resistance of any metallic material depends on the environment to which it is exposed. DMR-1700 steel is a material for structural applications that has been recently developed at Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory by changing the chemistry of alloying elements. Therefore, a detailed understanding of its corrosion characteristics under different environmental conditions is essential. In the present paper, we report the results of a systematic corrosion study that was carried out on the new steel to determine the effect of the environment on the protective nature of the oxide scale that forms on its surface under different environmental conditions. Furthermore, the oxide scale as well as the resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion were studied in various environments. The surface morphologies of the corroded steels were observed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the nature of the corrosion. On the basis of studies by different techniques, DMR-1700 steel is recommended for the manufacture of components used in various systems in conjunction with the application of an appropriate protective coating to improve its resistivity to corrosion.

• structural steel
• corrosion; protective coatings

Acknowledgments

The Defence Research and Development Organization is gratefully acknowledged for providing financial assistance. We thank Professor P Rama Rao, ARCI and Dr D Banerjee, Chief Controller (R&D) (DRDO) for their support and constant encouragement.