The microstructures of steel bars were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the mechanism of corrosion of steel bars under the corrosion factors was elucidated. The results show that the passivation film and corrosive surface of the steel surface in the solution of the chloride-containing salt were coarser and the surface state was denser. The main corrosion products are FeOOH and FeO. The surface of the steel immersed in the simulated carbonized solution had loose pores. The main components are FeOOH, Fe3O4, and Fe2O3. The surface of the steel bar has a large amount of yellowish brown corrosion products in the simulated carbonization and chloride salt. The surface of the corrosion products was stripped and the main components are FeOOH, Fe3O4, and FeCl3, where the content of FeOOH is as high as 60%. The peak value of iron is gradually increased from the simulated chloride salt solution to the carbonized solution to the combined effect of carbonation and chloride salt; the iron oxide content is increased and corrosion of steel is obviously serious.

Purpose This paper aims to study the influence of NaNO2 on the chemical composition of passivation film. Design/methodology/approach X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were selected to determine the composition of passivation film of steel bars in mortar. The specimens were exposed to the chloride solution, carbonation environment and the coupling effects of chloride solution and carbonation. The chemical composition and micro structures at 0 and 5 nm from the outer surface of the passivation film of steel bars were analyzed. Findings Results showed that the nitrite inhibitor improved the forming rate of the passivation film and increased the mass ratio of Fe3O4 to FeOOH on the surface of steel bars. The component of Fe3O4 at 5 nm of the steel passivation film was more than that at 0 nm. Sodium ferrite in the pore solution was easily hydrolyzed and then FeOOH was formed. Therefore, due to the nitrite inhibitor, a “double layer structure” of the passivation film was formed to prevent steels bars from corrosion. Originality/value This is original work and may help the researchers further understand the mechanism of rust resistance by nitrite inhibitor.