Mechanisms given in the literature for microbial-induced corrosion (MIC) generally address the processes by which microbial action promotes corrosion by acceleration of the anodic half reaction. However, catalysis of the cathodic half reaction (oxygen reduction) by microbial action has recently been shown to occur in aerated environments. Catalysis of the cathodic reaction causes the corrosion potential of passive stainless steel to increase (become more positive). This paper discusses how pitting of stainless steels at welds can result from the increase in corrosion potential and suggests a mechanism for the MIC attack of stainless steel welds.

Subject
Pits, Water, Materials, Corrosion reactions, Seawater, Biofilms, Anodic reactions, Metals, Pitting, Oxygen, Stainless steel, Risk reduction, Corrosion potential
© 1989 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1989
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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