LDX 2101 duplex steel for concrete reinforcement

The study deals with the possibility to apply a new type of duplex steel FeCr20Mn4Ni2N (LDX 2101) as concrete reinforcement. The study compares it with other materials used for concrete reinforcement, especially in terms of mechanical and corrosion properties. Tensile strength, yield strength, ductility and susceptibility to corrosion cracking were mechanical properties subject to the assessment. Resistance to crevice and pitting corrosion was assessed by the electrochemical noise method and exposure tests in a model concrete pore solution with the addition of chlorides and by measurements of corrosion potential, polarization resistance and impedance spectroscopy in concrete bricks, which either did not contain any chlorides or contained chlorides in the amount of 3 wt.% cement as a reference. The steel FeCr20Mn4Ni2N shows high-strength characteristics. In terms of corrosion resistance, it has a similar behaviour as common steel FeCr18Ni8. Only the FeCr18Ni10Mo2 steel shows a passive behaviour in the environment of concrete contaminated with a high content of chlorides.