Investigating corrosion processes in the micrometric range: A SVET study of the galvanic corrosion of zinc coupled with iron

The galvanic corrosion of an iron/zinc pair immersed in aqueous 0.1 M Na2SO4 solution has been investigated by using the scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET). In this way, investigations in the micrometer range of the progress of the electrochemical reactions involved in galvanic process were performed. The anodic oxidation process is observed to be initiated on the zinc sample in a localized manner, whereas the cathodic reaction involving the electroreduction of dissolved oxygen is homogeneously distributed over the iron sample. This later process is the rate determining step in the overall corrosion process, as demonstrated by the changes in the ionic and galvanic currents measured in the system when the area of the iron specimen is varied relative to that of zinc. The occurrence of coupled chemical reactions in the solution phase involving the products of the corrosion reactions could also be deduced from the integration of the ionic currents measured for each half-reaction during a SVET scan. Thus, the corrosion processes involved in the galvanic coupling of iron and zinc have been further understood by using this microelectrochemical technique appropriately, helping to better interpret large scale measurements.