Cut-edge corrosion of a Zn-55Al-coated steel: A comparison between sulphate and chloride solutions

Ex situ observations and in situ measurements of current and pH distributions over cut-edge coated steels revealed that Zn-55Al coatings are sacrificial only in chloride solutions, because of an activation of both Zn- and Al-rich phases present in the coating. In sulphate solutions, an efficient cathodic protection occurs only for short times of immersion, because only Zn-rich phases are active in this medium. The low solubility and strong acidification induced by Al(OH)SO(4) allows only short distance cathodic protection, but cannot prevent red rust precipitation on the steel surface. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.