PITTING CORROSION OF METALS; A SUMMARY OF THE CRITICAL FACTORS


G. S. Frankel


Fontana Corrosion Center


The Ohio State University


Columbus, OH 43210

ABSTRACT


Pitting corrosion is localized accelerated dissolution of metal that occurs as a result of a breakdown of the otherwise protective passive film on the metal surface. This paper provides an overview of the critical factors influencing the pitting corrosion of metals. The phenomenology of pitting corrosion is discussed, including the effects of alloy composition, environment, potential, and temperature. A summary is then given of studies that have focused on various stages of the pitting process, including breakdown of the passive film, metastable pitting, and pit growth.