The Corrosion Resistance Properties and Precipitate of Common Artificial Reef Materials

The corrosion properties of several common artificial reef materials were studied using electrochemical methods and by measuring corrosion rates in estuary water and seawater. Experimental results show that the 6063 aluminum alloy can be a reef construction material only in low velocity estuary water. Copper in seawater has high corrosion potential and can be passivated, but the high velocity water will destroy the passivation film and decrease the corrosion resistance of copper. Copper is a suitable reef material in low flow seawater and estuary water. With low open potential, high anode current and extensive corrosion, Q235 steel is only suggested as artificial reef material if applying sacrificial anode protection. Pine block and granite are natural materials whose degradation products won’t harm the environment, but the pine block has short service life while granite has a minimal corrosion rate. PVC has small corrosion rate but leaches toxic substances after degradation, so it is not suitable for wide-ranging use.