Reinforced concrete structures require continuous monitoring and maintenance to prevent corrosion of the carbon steel reinforcement. In this work, concrete columns with carbon and stainless steel reinforcements were exposed to a real marine environment. In order to monitor the corrosion processes, two types of corrosion probes were embedded in these columns at different height levels. The results from the monitoring of the probes were compared to the actual corrosion damage in the different exposure zones. Electrical resistance (ER) probes and coupled multi-electrodes (CMEs) were shown to be promising methods for long-term corrosion monitoring in concrete. Correlations between the different exposure zones and the corrosion processes of the steel in the concrete were found. Macrocell corrosion properties and the distribution of the separated anodic/cathodic places on the steel in chloride-contaminated concrete were addressed as two of the key issues for understanding the corrosion mechanisms in such environments. The specific advantages and limitations of the tested measuring techniques for long-term corrosion monitoring were also indicated. The results of the measurements and the corrosion damage evaluation clearly confirmed that the tested stainless steels (AISI 304 and AISI 304L) in a chloride-contaminated environment behave significantly better than ordinary carbon steel, with corrosion rates from 110× to 9500× lower in the most severe (tidal) exposure conditions.

In order to expand the use of titania indoor as well as to increase its overall performance, narrowing the band gap is one of the possibilities to achieve this. Modifying with rare earths (REs) has been relatively unexplored, especially the modification of rutile with rare earth cations. The aim of this study was to find the influence of the modification of TiO₂ with rare earths on its structural, optical, morphological, and photocatalytic properties. Titania was synthesized using TiOSO₄ as the source of titanium via hydrothermal synthesis procedure at low temperature (200 °C) and modified with selected rare earth elements, namely, Ce, La, and Gd. Structural properties of samples were determined by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and the phase ratio was calculated using the Rietveld method. Optical properties were analyzed by ultraviolet and visible light (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) was used to determine the morphological properties of samples and to estimate the size of primary crystals. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to determine the chemical bonding properties of samples. Photocatalytic activity of the prepared photocatalysts as well as the titania available on the market (P25) was measured in three different setups, assessing volatile organic compound (VOC) degradation, NO_x abatement, and water purification. It was found out that modification with rare earth elements slows down the transformation of anatase and brookite to rutile. Whereas the unmodified sample was composed of only rutile, La- and Gd-modified samples contained anatase and rutile, and Ce-modified samples consisted of anatase, brookite, and rutile. Modification with rare earth metals has turned out to be detrimental to photocatalytic activity. In all cases, pure TiO₂ outperformed the modified samples. Cerium-modified TiO₂ was the least active sample, despite having a light absorption tail up to 585 nm wavelength. La- and Gd-modified samples did not show a significant shift in light absorption when compared to the pure TiO₂ sample. The reason for the lower activity of modified samples was attributed to a greater Ti³⁺/Ti⁴⁺ ratio and a large amount of hydroxyl oxygen found in pure TiO₂. All the modified samples had a smaller Ti³⁺/Ti⁴⁺ ratio and less hydroxyl oxygen.

This work focuses on a demonstration of the monitoring of corrosion processes taking place in high strength steel in automotive applications. This is performed by means of a corrosion sensor, which operates as an electrical resistance sensor. It was developed from the same type of material that is used for the high-strength steel parts produced in the automotive industry. Using the sensor, real time corrosion processes can be measured. It is attached to a location inside the vehicle’s engine and is equipped with a data logger, which enables wireless transfer of the measured data. In this study the development, operation, and evaluation of the monitoring process are presented. Corrosion estimation is verified by means of electrochemical methods. A metallographic investigation was included in order to verify the similarity between the microstructural properties of the sensor and those of the as-received high-strength steel sheet.

The surface, corrosion and wear properties of new and in vivo exposed nickel titanium (NiTi) and stainless steel (SS) archwires used in orthodontic treatment were investigated. Electrochemical and tribo-electrochemical tests in artificial saliva were performed in order to define corrosion properties and to estimate wear rate of new and in vivo exposed NiTi and SS archwires. The surface chemical analysis of the passive film on the NiTi and SS archwires before and after tribocorrosion tests was performed by Auger Electron Spectroscopy (AES). In vivo exposed NiTi and SS archwires had better electrochemical properties than new archwires due to the protective nature of oral deposits. Total wear and coefficients of friction were higher among in vivo exposed archwires and higher in NiTi archwires in comparison to SS archwires. The estimated thickness of the TiO₂ passive film on as-received NiTi is 8 nm, while the passive Cr₂O₃ film on as-received SS is just 1–2 nm. On in vivo exposed NiTi archwire, a 60–80 nm thick organic film/dental plaque was observed, and on SS, it was thinner, at about 60 nm. This research shows the importance of combining AES with electrochemical testing, to characterize tribocorrosive properties of NiTi and SS orthodontic archwires.

In the field of surface treatment, laser colour marking can be used to produce coloured marks on the surfaces of metals. Laser colour markings can be applied to various materials, but on titanium alloys a wide spectra of vivid colours can be achieved. This study presents an analysis of the corrosion properties of laser treated surfaces that were exposed to aggressive environments. Different samples were prepared with laser light of various power intensities and processing speeds. The samples were prepared on low alloyed Ti. Electrochemical, spectroscopic and microstructural analyses were conducted in order to study the properties of the laser treated surfaces. Corrosion testing showed different effects of laser power and production speed on the properties of the laser treated surfaces. It was shown that a high intensity and slow processing rate affect the surfaces by forming oxides that are relatively stable in a corrosive environment of 0.1 M NaCl. Spectroscopic investigations including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses showed the differences in chemical structure of the surface layer formed after laser treatment. Similarly, microstructural investigations showed different effects on the surface and sub-surface layer of the laser treated samples.

Equipment made of different stainless steels is often used in the hydrometallurgical processing industry. In this study, an electrical resistance sensor was developed for monitoring corrosion in acidic solutions at high temperature. Two types of stainless steel were used as the electrode materials, namely grade 316L stainless steel (EN 1.4404) and grade 2507 duplex stainless steel (EN 1.4410). The materials and sensors were exposed to a 10% H₂SO₄ solution containing 5000 mg/L of NaCl at various temperatures. Results from the sensors were verified using electrochemical techniques and postexposure examination. Results showed that the microstructure played an important role in the interpretation of corrosion rates, highlighting the importance of using an appropriate stainless steel for the production of sensors. Electrochemical tests and postexposure examination both showed that the grade 2507 had a significantly lower corrosion rate compared to the grade 316L. Under industrial‑process conditions, the results for the grade 2507 sensor were promising with respect to sensor durability and performance, despite the extremely harsh operating environment.