INFLUENCE OF LEAD ON ZINC RESISTANCE TO ATMOSPHERIC CORROSION

Results are presented on researches carried out to determine the influence of the chemical heterogeneity of the metallic surface on its resistance to atmospheric corrosion. By putting in evidence the transformations that take place at the surface and inside the structure of the metallic material. such as distribution, depth and form of corrosive attack and by performing a microanalysis of grain boundaries and of adjacent corroded areas it was possible to establish the role of lead to trigger and maintain a pitting corrosion process in zinc when exposed to atmospheric corrosion.