Fundamental basis of electromagnetic wave propagation in a zinc microstrip lines during its corrosion

A new method for corrosion monitoring based on the change of the radiofrequency (RF) wave propagation in a microstrip line during its corrosion is presented. For that purpose, the microstrip line is produced in the same metal as the mechanical structure under monitoring. Zinc material is considered in the study since it allows an investigation of uniform as well as localized corrosion when chloride is used. Experimental data and simulations results provide fundamental basis on the sensing mechanisms of the method and evidence the possibility to detect the created corrosion species and to distinguish between localized and uniform corrosion processes. As the consequence, the proposed method should be considered as promising and reliable tool for corrosion monitoring of several materials exposed to various environments.