What are the methods to use weathering steel?

Weathering steel forms a dense and stable oxide protective film on the surface of its substrate, which prevents the entry of corrosive media and has excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion. It has been widely used in steel structures such as buildings, vehicles, bridges, and towers. There are three main ways to use weathering steel: bare use, coating use and use after rust stabilization.

1. Bare use:

The most common use of weathering steel is bare use. Generally after 3 to 10 years, the rust layer on the surface of weathering steel gradually stabilizes, the corrosion development slows down, and the appearance is beautiful chocolate color.

Since the stabilization process of the rust layer of weathering steel is affected by the chemical composition of the steel, the use environment, the stagnant water and dust of the structural details, and mechanical wear and will produce severe corrosion.

2. Coating use:

In many sectors such as construction, bridges, and vehicles, weathering steel, like ordinary steel, is mostly used for painting. Compared with ordinary steel, the weathering steel after painting shows extremely superior corrosion resistance. However, because of the increased use cost and operating procedures, it is difficult to universally use large components.

3. Use after rust stabilization

A treatment is applied to the surface of the component at the beginning to shorten the formation process of the weathering steel stabilized rust layer, which can avoid the yellow rust liquid sagging in the initial use of weathering steel and prevent pollution. At the same time, a stable rust layer can be formed. Although bare use is an economical and unique method of using weathering steel, it takes a long time to complete the stabilization process of the rust layer in the natural environment. Early rust often occurs before the stabilized rust layer is formed. The phenomenon of liquid sagging and flying polluting the surrounding environment.