J. Mater. Sci. Technol. ›› 2026, Vol. 243: 149-166.DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2025.05.010

• Research article • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Unveiling the corrosion evolution and pitting mechanism of X70 pipeline steel in typical near-neutral/bentonite soil environment

Guangming Yanga,b, Lulu Zenga,b, Hua Shenc, Huaiyun Cuia,b, Tianqi Chena,b, Zengyao Chena,b, Chengwei Xud, Chao Liua,b,*, Feng Huange, Zhiyong Liua,b,*, Zhichao Chef, Cuiwei Dua,b, Xiaogang Lia,b   

  1. aKey Laboratory for Corrosion and Protection (MOE), Institute of Advanced Materials and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China;
    bNational Materials Corrosion and Protection Scientific Data Center, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China;
    cJilin Oilfield Company, China National Petroleum Corporation, Songyuan 138000, China;
    dCorrosion and Control Research Center, Branch of Science and Technology Research Institute of National Oil and Gas Pipeline Network Group Co, Tianjin 300457, China;
    eThe State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China;
    fSchool of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
  • Received:2024-10-11 Revised:2025-04-27 Accepted:2025-05-11 Published:2026-02-01 Online:2025-05-26
  • Contact: *E-mail addresses: liuchao@ustb.edu.cn (C. Liu), Liuzhiyong7804@126.com (Z. Liu).

Abstract: This work investigated the effect of dissolved oxygen (DO) on the corrosion behavior and pitting mechanism of X70 pipeline steel in near-neutral soil-bentonite simulated environment. The localized corrosion evolution to uniform corrosion was quantitatively analyzed using statistical methods. In situ characterization reveals that the localized corrosion mechanism is induced by core-shell inclusions. The microcracks occur between MnS and core oxides, the galvanic effect exists between MnS and matrix, and the high distortion region of the matrix promotes the localized corrosion initiation, while the galvanic effect between ferrite and pearlite aids propagation. Interestingly, the pitting growth rates are higher at low DO concentrations. Furthermore, the lower DO and longer immersion time enhance rust layer protection and reduce the corrosion rate of X70 pipeline steel.

Key words: Dissolved oxygen, X70 pipeline steel, Near-neutral soil, Bentonite, Corrosion mechanism