Application of Minitab Software to Analyzing Effects of Alloying Elements on Corrosion Resistance of Weathering Steels in Marine Atmosphere

Weathering steels were smelted and rolled in laboratory based on four factors, two levels and a central point orthogonal experiment design. The effects of alloying element concentrations of Cu, Ni, Mo and Mn on the corrosion resistance of weathering steels were studied using outdoor spraying test and Minitab software. The results show that in simulated ocean atmosphere environment the concentrations of Ni and Mo were significant factors for the early stage of outdoor spraying, while the concentrations of Ni and Mn were significant factors for the late stage of outdoor spraying. There was no obvious interaction between Ni and Mo concentrations, and between Ni and Mn concentrations. The best alloy element content (mass fraction) were 3.15%Ni and 1.7%Mn. It is feasible to add only those alloying elements that have significant influence on corrosion resistance and to control the amount of alloying elements to reduce the cost.