EFFECT OF CORROSION ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF LOW CARBON STEEL

Low carbon steel, widely used in various industrial applications due to its excellent formability and cost-effectiveness, faces significant challenges from corrosion, which impacts its mechanical properties such as tensile strength, ductility, and fatigue resistance. This study investigates the effects of corrosion on the mechanical strength of low carbon steel, focusing on how corrosion alters material behavior under different environmental conditions. The research utilized three groups of low carbon steel samples: one exposed to corrosive media (sulfuric acid and sodium chloride), another tested for mechanical properties (Charpy impact, hardness, and tensile tests), and a third subjected to both corrosion and mechanical testing. The results revealed that exposure to corrosive environments significantly reduced the mechanical properties of low carbon steel. The corroded samples exhibited a 52% reduction in tensile strength, with an increased susceptibility to crack formation and a 47% decrease in ductility. The Charpy impact test showed that corrosion led to a 58% decrease in toughness, indicating higher brittleness. Hardness testing also confirmed a 30% reduction in surface hardness for corroded specimens, further highlighting the weakening of the material's structural integrity. Fatigue testing showed accelerated crack propagation in the corroded samples, with a 40% reduction in fatigue strength, suggesting a significantly higher risk of premature failure under cyclic loading. These findings underscore the detrimental impact of corrosion on the mechanical performance of low carbon steel, particularly in environments exposed to aggressive corrosive agents like sulfuric acid and sodium chloride. The results contribute valuable insights into the degradation sof low carbon steel and offer guidance for material selection, protective coatings, and strategies to enhance the durability and longevity of steel structures in corrosive environments.