Corrosion and passivation are naturally occurring phenomena on metal surfaces. A passive film, or grain boundary, consisting of reaction products of metal oxide or other compounds, will form on the metal surface and separates the metal from its environment, slowing the rate of reaction. These products are slightly alkaline to neutral in pH. The acidic environment and atmosphere and consequential contamination of metallic surfaces with salts will reverse the formation of the naturally protective surface boundary layer, exposing the surface to aggressive electrochemical corrosion induced by the salts.

Subject
Anions, Salt formation, Steel surfaces, Water, Hydroxides, Barrier layers, Salts, Metal surfaces, Oxide layers, Acidity, Oxide surfaces, Metals, Oxygen
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2002
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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