SEDL / STP / STP727-EB / STP28036S

Practical Experience with an Electrochemical Technique for Atmospheric Corrosion Monitoring

Kucera, V
Head of R & D Department and senior research scientist, Swedish Corrosion Institute, Stockholm,

Gullman, J
Head of R & D Department and senior research scientist, Swedish Corrosion Institute, Stockholm,

Pages: 18    Published: Jan 1981

Download this paper for $25 PDF (240K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

An electrochemical technique based on integration of the current in electrolytic cells with an external impressed voltage has been used in various investigations. Cells that permit measurements extending over several years without risk of short-circuiting by corrosion products have been developed. The electronic integrator has been proved to function reliably during all measurements. Even if the electrochemical background of the technique is not well defined, a relation has been found to exist between the cell current and the corrosion rate. The relation is fairly constant in measurements at one site, but depends to some extent on the degree of pollution, which is a serious limitation. The technique appears, however, to be well suited for comparative studies of different alloys and the protective effect of corrosion products, and for studies of copper and zinc in run-off from building structures. The time of wetness measured by the technique may be of interest in the study of the influence of climatic factors.