Application of a modified bi-polar electrochemistry approach to determine pitting corrosion characteristics

The application of bi-polar electrochemistry produces a linear potential gradient between two feeder electrodes, allowing the full spectrum of anodic to cathodic reaction kinetics to be controlled. A modified bi-polar approach is introduced, by superimposing a constant electrochemical potential on the potential gradient, thereby controlling the location and spatial distribution of anodic to cathodic reactions along the exposed sample surface. Application of this approach is demonstrated by controlling the extent of pitting corrosion in austenitic stainless steel as a function of the applied potential.