In the present work, the environmental conditions under which localized corrosion of carbon steel could take place were examined. Using creviced specimens, it was determined that at potentials above the
repassivation potential the ratio of the chloride concentration to the carbonate concentration and the solution temperature played critical roles in establishing the conditions that promote localized corrosion as well as influencing the rate of propagation. The pH was also found to be key, with localized corrosion possible at pH values> 9.6. Preoxidation in air at 200°C for short times was found to improve resistance to localized
corrosion, but at longer times was found to be detrimental. Examination of the open circuit potential of creviced samples in air-saturated, pH 11 solutions revealed that the repassivation potential can be exceeded
and localized corrosion can occur under free corrosion conditions.