Date of Submission
9-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
Department
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Advisor
Huan Gu, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Byungik Chang, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A.
Committee Member
Hao Sun, Ph.D.
Keywords
Streetlight and Traffic Signal Poles, Corrosion, FTIR Spectroscopy, Gravimetric Analysis, Kinetic Analysis, Strength Degradation
LCSH
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Street lighting, Traffic signs and signals, Metals--Corrosion fatigue, Corrosion, Gravimetric analysis
Abstract
Corrosion presents a significant threat to infrastructure, leading to substantial costs for industries globally. This study aims to develop a model to predict the corrosion behavior and remaining lifespan of local streetlight and traffic signal poles, focusing on environmental factors such as pollutants and humidity. The research integrates principles from solid-state chemistry, materials science, and engineering mechanics to assess structural degradation risks.
Controlled in vitro experiments will expose pole materials (metals and alloys) to corrosive environments, measuring degradation rates over time. The data analysis will involve developing mathematical models to link thickness reduction and corrosion index with environmental parameters. The originality of this work lies in its interdisciplinary approach, combining mechanical corrosion evaluation with a controlled environmental model to predict pole stability in unknown conditions.
This study also sheds light on the formation of different corrosion products, which were analyzed using FTIR to identify corrosion propagation patterns-such as irregular pit formation-and their contribution to strength degradation, as well as the compounds involved in these processes. Additionally, the study utilized "VESTA" software to visualize atomic geometry, providing a thorough explanation of how various alloys and metals degrade independently based on their structural geometry.
The resulting model from this study will provide degradation rates for streetlight poles in unknown environments, supporting the timely replacement of public infrastructure. Additionally, it can be applied to other metal-based industrial structures, such as bioreactors and chemical process plants. The research aims to enhance both safety and economic efficiency by extending the operational lifespan of critical equipment exposed to corrosive environments.
Recommended Citation
Hadi Ali Khan, Abdul, "Corrosion Behavior and Failure Prediction of Streetlight Poles Using Gravimetric, FTIR, and Kinetic Analysis" (2025). Master's Theses. 270.
https://digitalcommons.newhaven.edu/masterstheses/270