Muzaffer Özcan

EIS study of the effect of high levels of NH3 on the deformation of polyester-coated galvanised steel at different relative humidities

Abstract The effect of SO2 on the degradation of polyester-coated galvanised steel at different relative humidities was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Measurements were performed on specimens which had been tested in an accelerated gaseous corrosion test. For this purpose the samples were subjected to SO2 gas for 16 days in atmospheric test cells with adjusted relative humidity (RH) from 60 to 100%. Subsequently, the impedance response of the coated material was measured and evaluated. The results indicated that the coating performance varies with RH. Thus, under condensing conditions, the organic coating and galvanised layer was totally removed, the impedance response being interpreted as the formation of an iron sulphide film on the surface. At lower RH, remarkably, the coating remained effectively intact with the coating resistance varying inversely with RH. This work is relevant to the application of such organic-coated products adjacent to combustion flues where high levels of SO2 occur in association with high humidity.