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The galvanic series (or electropotential series) determines the nobility of metals and semi-metals. When two metals are submerged in an electrolyte, while also electrically connected by some external conductor, the less noble (base) will experience galvanic corrosion. The rate of corrosion is determined by the electrolyte, the difference in ...
Because electrolytically zinc-plated surfaces provide comparatively little corrosion protection, and in the case of galvanic zinc coatings on high-strength steel (e.g. category 10.9 and 12.9 high-strength bolts) there is a risk of hydrogen embrittlement, the industry needed a better corrosion protection system.
When two metals touch each other and water is present, electrolysis occurs. [2] One well known example is the reaction between zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe). Zinc atoms will lose electrons in preference to the iron as they are more electropositive and therefore zinc is oxidized and corrodes. Zn(s)→ Zn 2+ (aq) +2e (oxidation)
Dissimilar metals and alloys have different electrode potentials, and when two or more come into contact in an electrolyte, one metal (that is more reactive) acts as anode and the other (that is less reactive) as cathode. The electropotential difference between the reactions at the two electrodes is the driving force for an accelerated attack ...
The less noble metal is removed from the alloy by a microscopic-scale galvanic corrosion mechanism. The most susceptible alloys are the ones containing metals with high distance between each other in the galvanic series , e.g. copper and zinc in brass.
In 2009 in the United States, 55% or 893,000 tons of the zinc metal was used for galvanization. [122] Zinc is more reactive than iron or steel and thus will attract almost all local oxidation until it completely corrodes away. [124] A protective surface layer of oxide and carbonate (Zn 5 (OH) 6 (CO 3) 2) forms as the zinc corrodes. [125]
A noble metal is ordinarily regarded as a metallic element that is generally resistant to corrosion and is usually found in nature in its raw form. Gold , platinum , and the other platinum group metals ( ruthenium , rhodium , palladium , osmium , iridium ) are most often so classified.
However, zinc is a more electropositive (active) metal in comparison to steel. This is a unique characteristic for galvanizing, which means that when a galvanized coating is damaged and steel is exposed to the atmosphere, zinc can continue to protect steel through galvanic corrosion (often within an annulus of 5 mm, above which electron ...