Role of Chloride on theEnvironmentalDegradation ofMicro-Alloyed Steel inSimulated Fuel GradeEthanol Environment

In this study, micro-alloyed steel (MAS) material commonly used in the manufacture of auto parts and pipes was immersed in simulated fuel grade ethanol (SFGE) blends and its performance was evaluated. In order to determine the role of chloride on corrosion behavior, electrochemical measurement was conducted in low-conductivity ethanolic solutions in the absence of supporting electrolyte; also mass loss test was performed. Consistent with the mass loss and electrochemical test results, the effect of chloride on the degradation of MAS in the fuel ethanol environments can be classified from the least corrosive concentration to the highest as follows: 0 mg/L<32 mg/L<64 mg/L NaCl. Chloride increased the pitting tendency of MAS in E20, E40, and E80 blends.