Metals processing electrochemical tests

Electrochemical Characterization Technloues. Since corrosion Is an electrochemical process, It Is not surprising that a considerable amount of work has been reported over the years on electrical and electrochemical techniques for the study of the corrosion process. Leldhelser Ql.) and Szauer (12.> 11) have provided good reviews of the principal techniques. Walter has recently provided a review of DC electrochemical tests for painted metals (14). Both AC and DC methods have been employed to study a variety of Issues related to corrosion and corrosion protection. DC techniques are especially useful for studying substrate processes, while AC impedance techniques are most useful for studying processes relating to coated substrates and the performance of coatings. 

Sandler, M. H., "NonmetaUic Coating Processes Painting," Metals Handbook, Vol. 5 Surface Cleaning, Finishing and Coating, 9th ed., ASM International, Metals Park, OH, 1990, pp. 489-498, 527-531 and Mansfeld, F., "Electrochemical Methods of Corrosion Testing," Metals Handbook, Vol. 13A, ASM International, Metals Park, OH, 2003, p. 446. 

Rates of corrosion can also be measured using an electrochemical technique known as potentiodynamic polarization. The potential of the test metal electrode relative to a reference electrode (commonly the saturated calomel electrode SCE) is varied at a controlled rate using a potentiostat. The resultant current density which flows in the cell via an auxiliary electrode, typically platinum, is recorded as a function of potential. The schematic curve in fig. 2 is typical of data obtained from such a test. These data can provide various parameters in addition to corrosion rate, all of which are suitable for describing corrosion resistance. The corrosion potential F corr is nominally the open circuit or rest potential of the metal in solution. At this potential, the anodic and cathodic processes occurring on the surface are in equilibrium. When the sample is polarized to potentials more positive than Scon the anodic processes, such as metal dissolution, dominate (Anodic Polarization Curve). With polarization to potentials more negative than Scorr the cathodic processes involved in the corrosion reaction such as oxygen reduction and hydrogen evolution dominate (Cathodic Polarization Curve). These separate halves of the total polarization curve may provide information about the rates of anodic and cathodic processes. The current density at any particular potential is a measure of the... 

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and AC Impedance Many direct-current test techniques assess the overall corrosion process occurring at a metal surface, but treat the metal/ solution interface as if it were a pure resistor. Problems of accuracy and reproducibility frequently encountered in the application of direct-current methods have led to increasing use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). 

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