Factors influencing corrosion
•Solution pH.
•Oxidizing agent.
•Temperature.
•Velocity.
•Surface Films.
Solution pH
• Metals such as iron dissolve rapidly in acidic solution. In
the middle pH range (4 to 10), Certain amphoteric metals
dissolve rapidly in either acidic or basic solution.
• Noble metals are not affected by pH. E.g. gold and
platinum.
• H + ions capture electrons and promote anodic corrosion.
Oxidizing agents
Oxidizing agents accelerate the corrosion of some
materials
Oxidizing agents such as oxygen react with
hydrogen to form water. Once hydrogen is
removed, corrosion is accelerated. E.g. copper in
NaCl
Oxidizing agent retard corrosion due to formation
of surface oxide films, which makes the surface
more resistant to chemical attack.
Temperature
• Rise in temperature increases rate of
corrosion.
• Increase in temperature reduces the
solubility of oxygen or air. The released
oxygen enhances the corrosion.
Velocity
• High velocity of corrosive medium increases
corrosion.
• Corrosion products are formed rapidly,
because chemicals are brought to the surface
at a high rate.
• The corrosion products are easily stifled and
carried away, thereby exposing the new
surfaces for corrosion.
Surface Films
The oxide films are formed on the surface of S.S.
these films absorb moisture, which delay time of
drying and hence increases the extent of
corrosion.
If the film is porous (e.g. ZnO) corrosion continues.
Nonporous films (CrO on iron) prevents further
corrosion.
Oil and grease films may occur on the surface
either intentionally or naturally. These films
protect surface from direct contact with corrosive
substance. E.g. metals submerged in sewage .