Reports concerning the effects of dissolved carbon dioxide on the corrosion of iron have ranged from "no effect" to a catalytic mechanism for the observed corrosion processes. Pedagogical references indicate that dissolved carbon dioxide is benign towards iron corrosion. Contrary to this, our results suggest that carbon dioxide does indeed play an active role in the corrosion of iron much as chloride and other aggressive ions. Visual, spectral, and electrochemical results all support the significance of the effect of dissolved carbon dioxide on the corrosion of iron.
ABSTRACTComputer algorithms that minimize the Gibbs free energy of complex systems are applied to a system undergoing corrosion. Such calculations are more correct than standard single equation calculations since they adjust species' activities to reflect correctly the competing equilibria. An example of the application of such a calculation is given, based on the secondary system of a nuclear power plant. The programs described are available for use on microcomputers.