Dynamic tafel factor adaption for the evaluation of instantaneous corrosion rates on zinc by using gel-type electrolytes

Abstract

Electrochemical corrosion measurements allow calculation of the instantaneous zinc corrosion rate via polarization resistances by using tafel factors. However, the determination of the actual tafel factor is problematic since it depends on the state of the formed zinc layers and the corrosion reactions taking place. Therefore, valid tafel factors are either determined in additional experiments via dynamic polarization or estimated by calculation. In most cases a constant value for tafel factors is assumed for simplification, without regard to the real conditions of the corroding system. Since naturally formed zinc layers are unstable using conventional test electrolyte solutions determination of tafel factors is hindered additionally and inaccurate interpretations can result. For some time now, the use of gel-type electrolytes in corrosion research has enabled minimally invasive investigation of zinc surface layers and thus offers new approaches to a scientifically proven determination of tafel factors. The paper presents a new method for the determination and evaluation of tafel factors using gel-type electrolytes and electrochemical frequency modulation technique (EFM). This relatively new electrochemical method offers the possibility to determine both polarization resistances and tafel factors within one measurement and in short measuring intervals. Starting from a comprehensive parameter study it is shown that a direct relationship between the two values exists that can be described mathematically. This contribution presents the determined tafel factors for the system gel-type electrolyte/zinc and discusses their applicability and their limits.