Some Limitations of the Linear Polarization Techniques in Evaluating Corrosion Behavior

Current, potential, and weight losses were measured on a system consisting of a stainless steel working electrode, a platinum black reference electrode and platinum auxiliary electrode. The electrolyte was slightly alkaline lithiated water containing 3 ppm hydrogen at 288 C (550 F) and at saturation pressure. Linear polarization measurements were made in the region 0-20 millivolts from the open circuit potential. A corrosion current was calculated from these measurements, using previously cited Tafel constants. The cathodic Tafel constant was also measured directly. The cathodic Tafel slope agreed well with previous values. The corrosion current, estimated by linear extrapolation of the log current vs. voltage curve to zero applied current, agreed well with the current calculated from linear polarization. However, the descaled weight loss of the corroded electrode was only tenth of that computed from the current, time and Faraday's Law. The deviation from the expected corrosion behavior is explained by another anodic half reaction. The steady state exchange current is an equilibrium between several oxidation reactions and several reduction reactions. Only when the corrosion potential is sufficiently removed from the equilibrium potentials of the anodic and cathodic half reactions that constitute the corrosion reaction can the other competing reactions be ignored.