Effect of solar radiation on the atmospheric corrosion of structural metals

• Yu.M. Panchenko, A.I. Marshakov, L.A. Kudryavtseva and V.V. Kovtanyuk

Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 31-4, Leninsky prospect, 119071 Moscow, Russia

Abstract: A procedure for field testing of specimens of various materials under atmospheric exposure was developed that allows the effect of solar radiation dose on metal corrosion to be determined. Four one-year tests of carbon steel, zinc, copper, and aluminum were carried out under the following conditions: at an open-air site, under removable panels, and under shelter. The beginning of the tests corresponded to the beginning of each season of the year. The measured annual solar radiation dose varied within the following ranges, MJ/m²: 1946–1857 at the open-air site, 777–692 under the removable panels, and 413–407 under the shelter. It was shown that despite identical exposure to atmospheric precipitation for specimens of metals placed at the open-air site and under the removable panels, solar radiation significantly reduced the corrosion losses of aluminum and, to a lesser extent, those of carbon steel and copper. The effect of solar radiation on zinc corrosion was ambiguous: the corrosion losses increased when testing was initiated in autumn, winter, and summer but decreased when testing was initiated in spring. The maximum corrosion losses of steel, copper, and aluminum were observed for specimens exposed under the shelter in diffuse light and without precipitation. The corrosion losses of zinc under the shelter and at the open-air site were approximately the same. The season at which the tests were started had a greater effect on the corrosion of all the metals than solar radiation. The largest corrosion of steel was observed when the tests for the specimens were started in winter or in summer, whereas the largest corrosion of nonferrous metals – in summer or in spring.

Keywords: atmospheric corrosion, atmospheric exposure tests, structural metals, solar radiation

Int. J. Corros. Scale Inhib., 2026, 15, no. 2, 554-572
doi: 10.17675/2305-6894-2026-15-2-29

Download PDF (Total downloads: 2)

Back to this issue content: 2026, Vol. 15, Issue 2 (pp. 1-583)