On the Impact of Cathodic Polarization on the Chloride Threshold of Carbon Steel in Alkaline Solutions

This study investigates the influence of cathodic polarization on the chloride threshold (CT) for carbon steel in alkaline solutions, analogous to reinforcing steel embedded in concrete, with a focus on the electrochemical steel potential as a critical factor for corrosion initiation. The research, incorporating a literature review and potentiostatic tests, reveals that CT shows potential independence at potentials more anodic than −200 mVSCE and increases for potentials more cathodic than −200 mVSCE. The observed increase in CT under cathodic polarization is attributed to alterations in the passive layer composition, supporting the existence of distinct potential regions that govern the onset of corrosion.