Effect of magnetic fields on the corrosion of Q235 carbon steel and copper in simulated soil solution

The grounding grid is a critical infrastructure component in substations, and environmental factors, including magnetic fields, significantly influence its long-term performance. This study systematically investigated the corrosion behaviors of Q235 carbon steel and T2 copper, two typical grounding grid materials, in a simulated soil solution under applied magnetic fields. Electrochemical methods, including potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and morphological characterizations, were employed with comparative analyses performed under zero-field conditions. The results demonstrate that magnetic fields accelerate the corrosion of Q235 by enhancing ion mass transfer and destabilizing the corrosion product film, while simultaneously inhibiting the corrosion of T2 by promoting the formation of a dense, protective Cu 2 O layer. Mechanistic insights revealed that magnetic fields modify corrosion kinetics via coupled effects on electrochemical reaction rates and corrosion film structures. These findings guide more accurate service life assessment and durability enhancement strategies for grounding grids operating in electromagnetic environments. • The study designed a magnetically controlled electrochemical experimental platform. • The corrosion behaviors of Q235 carbon steel and T2 copper - two typical grounding grid materials - in a simulated soil solution under applied magnetic fields were systematically investigated through potentiodynamic polarization curve measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with equivalent circuit fitting analysis, and complementary characterization techniques. • Carbon steel and copper corrosion products were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the surface morphology of T2 samples. By integrating these methods, the corrosion mechanism of grounding grid materials under the action of magnetic fields was studied.