Evaluation of Corrosion-Resistant Steels Using Potentiostatic Polarization Curves

Abstract

The relationship between the shape of the potentiostatic polarization curve and corrosion properties of an alloy is discussed in the regions of activity, passivity and transpassivity. The correctness of theoretical relationships is demonstrated for seven typical corrosion-resistant steels whose polarization curves are shown together with values of their passivation potential, critical passivation current density, and maximum corrosion current in the transpassive state. The usefulness of polarization curves as a nondestructive analytic technique for the identification of known corrosion-resistant materials is also discussed.