Electrochemical corrosion

Description

Metal corrosion that occurs due to electron transfer between two substances of different electromotive activity. Electrochemical corrosion results in the dissolution of metal to form soluble ions at one node and the deposition of insoluble compounds, such as carbonates at the other. An electrolyte solution must be present for the system to be active. Thus, most electrochemical corrosion occurs in buried or marine metals.

Synonyms and Related Terms

galvanic corrosion; corrosion électrochimique (Fr.); Elektrochemische Korrosion (Deut.); corrosión electroquímica (Esp.); electrochemische corrosie (Ned.); corrosão electroquímica (Port.)

Resources and Citations

• David C. Scott, Metallography and Microstructure of Ancient and Historic Metals, The Getty Conservation Institute, Los Angeles, 1991

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: Materials Testing." Accessed 19 Aug. 2004.

• Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993

• Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia, Douglas M. Considine (ed.), Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1976