Investigation of steel corrosion in MX80 bentonite at 120°C

Corrosion experiments were performed on two metallic substrates, a ferritic–pearlitic steel (P285NH) and a ferritic one (Armco), in silicate environment during 30 days at 120°C. Corrosion products were characterized in terms of morphology (scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy), composition (energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy) and structure (µ-Raman, selected area electron diffraction, X-ray absorption near edge structure). Results show a nanometric inner layer made of compact and adherent nanocrystallized magnetite with, locally a thickness up to several micrometers due to the metal microstructure. An outer layer of Fe-rich phyllosilicate, smectite and serpentine, more porous than the inner one and poorly adherent is observed around both the samples.