The initiation mechanism of corrosion of zinc by sodium chloride particle deposition

This study details the mechanism of attack by sodium chloride particles on zinc. The dissolution and subsequent reaction of a single micro-particle of salt on zinc has shown explicitly the mechanism by which attack occurs. Following the initial formation of a hemispherical droplet when the particle wets in humid air, a secondary spreading effect occurs. The rate and potential associated with (his spreading process has been measured using a Kelvin probe, and the chemistry of the compound,, formed as a result of the corrosion mechanism have been determined using spectrographic techniques. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.