Characteristics and mechanisms of low-alloy high-strength steel corrosion behavior under barnacle adhesion based on a comparison experiment.

A comparative experiment was set up in a field site and laboratory to study the effect of barnacles (model organisms of macrofouling) on the corrosion behavior of a low-alloy high-strength steel. The results indicated that barnacle adhesion can slow the corrosion rate of steel in an immersion environment by hindering the diffusion of corrosive ions. It was found that barnacle adhesion had a significant promotion effect on localized corrosion. Due to steel's high corrosion rate, the corrosion-impeding effect was improved, and the promotion effect on localized corrosion was weakened. The study proposed a corrosion mechanism model influenced by barnacles. • A comparative experiment was set up in a field site and laboratory. • Barnacle adhesion can slow the corrosion rate of steel in an immersion environment. • Barnacle adhesion hinders the diffusion of corrosive ions to the steel surface. • Barnacle adhesion had a significant promotion effect on localized corrosion. • The accumulation of barnacle metabolites can promote the corrosion of steel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]