Galvanic corrosion of zinc and SS.304 in the tropical marine atmosphere of Mandapam

The galvanic corrosion interactions of zinc and SS.304 stainless steel was studied in a tropical marine environment over a period of 427 days, under different area ratios. The galvanic interaction of zinc and SS.304 are highlighted in terms of the corrosion rate of zinc or SS.304 resulting from galvanic coupling and the susceptibility of zinc to pitting due to galvanic corrosion. The galvanic potential and galvanic current of the system was monitored. The corrosion products at the interface of the bimetallic contacts were analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and the pitting/grooving on zinc resulting from galvanic corrosion was measured using a high resolution microscope. Discusses the results of the study in the light of the above factors towards predicting a mechanism for the galvanic interactions of zinc and SS.304. (Original abstract - amended)