This paper studies the process of corrosion using scanning probe microscopy (SPM)
Corrosion is an interfacial phenomenon that occurs at solid surfaces, making it ideal for study via in situ scanning probe microscopy (SPM). This document highlights how Agilent's product line, featuring specially engineered electrochemical cells and environmental chambers, supports these studies with features like large volume-to-surface area ratios and optical access.
The note presents three specific examples of corrosion investigations: the pitting mechanism on 304 stainless steel in sodium chloride solution, the selective dissolution of aluminum foil, and the kinetics of aluminum thin film corrosion in sulfuric acid.
They feature specially engineered electrochemical cells with large volume-to-surface area ratios, open designs for counter electrodes, and environmental chambers to control dissolved oxygen or introduce reactive gases.
The study suggested that corrosion proceeds through a pitting mechanism, evidenced by the rapid dissolution of inclusions and surrounding steel.
The mechanism is thought to be a two-step process where the passivating layer is first broken and then chloride ions react with the underlying aluminum.