Scaling on stainless steel electrodes in simulated cyanidation leaching processes

The scaling behavior on stainless steel electrode in a synthetic solution simulating the typical cyanidation leaching process was studied by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and SEM. The results suggested that electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and SEM could be useful tools for characterizing the scaling process on metallic surface. The diffusion characteristics of the impedance spectra were sensitive to the concentration of the inhibitor in the synthetic solution and the corresponding scaling process, which could provide insights into the early stage scaling processes and the concentration of the inhibitor in the media. These tools could be used for guidance in controlling the corrosion and scaling process, and developing efficient inhibitor systems.