Atmospheric Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steel: Field Exposures of Stainless Steel in Chloride-rich Atmospheric Conditions

Abstract Corrosion can significantly impact the service life of structures and their components in maritime coastal regions. One of the primary reasons for selecting stainless steel for structural applications in marine environments is its exceptional corrosion resistance, which ensures long-term durability. Additionally, aesthetic considerations are crucial when choosing stainless steel for architectural purposes. The atmospheric corrosion resistance of stainless steel can vary significantly across different marine regions. Factors such as the concentration of sea salt aerosols and climatic conditions affect the likelihood of atmospheric corrosion, which can lead to material degradation if the appropriate grades are not chosen. International standards and guidelines, such as ISO 9223 EN1993-1-4 Annex A (Eurocode 3), the IMOA Site and Design Evaluation System tool (IMAO program), and a Corrosion Map, provide frameworks for selecting materials for structural applications. While these guidelines aim to streamline the material selection process by reducing testing time, they must accurately reflect stainless steel's behavior under real-world environmental conditions. This paper presents the results of various field studies on atmospheric corrosion in maritime coastal regions with diverse climates. The selection of material grades in these environments must be aligned with performance requirements. Four marine locations were chosen for this study: (1) Genao, Italy; (2) Bohus-Malmön, Sweden; (3) Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE); and (4) Songkhla, Thailand. The findings underscore the critical influence of environmental factors, particularly chloride ions, contamination, and rainfall, on localized corrosion and surface degradation. These results are analyzed within the context of current knowledge regarding the atmospheric corrosion of stainless steel, offering valuable insights for practical applications in the field.