Investigation of corrosion processes in metallic samples by optical and electrochemical methods

A comparative investigation using simultaneously Michelson optical interferometry and cyclic electrochemical polarization tests to determine the evolution of corrosion processes taking place is presented. As optical monitoring of corrosion in an electrochemical system compound by metallic samples immersed in acid or brine-type aqueous solutions is performed, the consecutive appearance and disappearance of interference patterns formed by reflection from the sample surface as time goes by is observed. This behavior, as well as a brief mutual analysis and discussion of the obtained optical patterns recorded during electrochemical tests and corresponding potentiodynamic curves, is reported here.