Corrosion and bio fouling characteristics of mild steel in Mandapam waters

The corrosion and biofouling characteristics of mild steel were investigated in the waters of the Mandapam coast of India over a year's time. Field exposure and laboratory studies were conducted. Corrosion rates were measured by gravimetric and Tafel polarization. Algae and barnacles were the dominant fouling species. Corrosion products were analyzed by x-ray diffraction and surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy. The effect of micro- and macrofouling on the corrosion rate was investigated. The annual corrosion rate of mild steel was 0.152 mmpy with a fouling load of 0.89 kg/m2