Galvanostatic study of the breakdown of Zn passivity by sulphate anions

Abstract The anodic behavior of Zn electrode in Na 2 SO 4 solutions was studied by galvanostatic polarization technique. The polarization curves are characterized by a distinct arrest corresponding to ZnO formation, after which the potential rises linearly with time up to a well-defined value, the breakdown potential, at which the potential drops with time, down to more negative direction. This denotes the destruction of the passive film and initiation of pitting corrosion. It was found that, the breakdown potential, the time consumed till the breakdown potential and the rate of potential rise with time depend on the sulphate anions concentration, solution temperature and magnitude of the imposed current density. Addition of increasing concentration of phosphate, molybdate, tungstate or chromate anions causes a shift of the breakdown potential into the noble direction, indicating the inhibitive effect of these anions. The inhibitive effect of these inhibitors decreases in the order: CrO 4 2− > WO 4 2− > MoO 4 2− > HPO 4 2− .