ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the corrosion of carbon and low-alloy steels, as well as cast irons, in the uncoated condition. Carbon and low-alloy steels are the most widely used materials in the marine environment, for both structural components and pressure-retaining applications. The spray and splash zone the mean high-tide level is the severely attacked region because of continuous contact with highly aerated seawater, and the erosive effects of spray, waves, and tidal actions. The phenomenon of accelerated low-water corrosion was identified and appears to be slowly spreading around the world. When cast iron and carbon steel are coupled to most metals, the corrosion rate increases, whereas the level of corrosion decreases for the coupled metals. With carbon steel, problems of preferential corrosion of the weld metal usually result from the choice of welding consumables. One problem that sometimes occurs with carbon steel is preferential corrosion of the heat-affected zone.
