Accelerated rust stabilization for weathering steels via a high-throughput approach

Accelerated stabilization of weathering steel (WS) to develop a dense protective rust layer remains challenging during outdoor exposure. This study proposes a new stabilization treatment agent (STA) for Q420 WS, with appropriate composition and concentration determined through high-throughput droplet microarray screening and multi-channel electrochemical testing. The STA formulation of 1 g/L Na₂WO₄ + 1 g/L Na₂MoO₄ facilitates the transformation of unstable γ-FeOOH phase into stable α-FeOOH phase. The enrichment of Mo in outer rust layer and that of W in inner layer reduce the microdefects, suppress the penetration of aggressive media, and remarkably improve the corrosion resistance.