Corrosion Protection of Metals NZIC（防腐的金属NZIC）.pdf

CORROSION PROTECTION OF METALS Two methods of combating corrosion which are widely used in New Zealand are cathodic protection and chemical inhibitors. Both methods depend on controlling the charge on the metal surface, and this can be monitored by measuring the potential of the metal. The conditions needed to stop corrosion can then be predicted from an electrochemical phase diagram. Cathodic protection is effected by forcing the potential to a negative region where the metal is completely stable. This can be done by using a sacrificial anode made from a more reactive metal, or using an external power supply to change the amount of charge on the metal surface. Cathodic protection is well suited to steel structures in marine or underground environments. There is a class of chemical inhibitors which work by removing electrons from the metal, thereby pushing the potential into a positive region where an oxide film spontaneously forms. This results in a stable, passive surface with a very low corrosion rate. Industries apply this technology in processes where the inhibitor can be conveniently added without causing environmental or health problems. INTRODUCTION When iron or steel is exposed to atmospheric oxygen in the presence of water, the well- known rusting process takes place. The metal is degraded to form ferric rust, a red-brown compound, which is a sure sign of electrochemical oxidation of the underlying metal. 4Fe + 3O + 2H O → 4FeO.OH (1) 2 2 Nearly all metals, with the exception of gold and platinum, will corrode in an oxidising environment forming compounds such as oxides, hydroxides and sulphides. The degradation of metals by corrosion is a universal reaction, caused by the simple fact that the oxide of a