ChemInform Abstract: Breakdown of Passive Films on Iron.

Abstract

ChemInform Abstract Pitting breakdown of pure iron has been studied in NaCl solutions in the pH range 10-14. The experimental results show that pit initiation is a function of the Cl-/OH-ratio at the surface, i.e., the first stages of localized passive film breakdown depend on the competition for adsorption, at the oxide/liquid interface, between OH-and aggressive anions such as Cl-. The presence of sulfate ions further reduces the pitting potential, whereas borate ions counter the effect of Cl-and SO42-.