Korrosionsström

Korrosionsström refers to the electrical current that flows during a corrosion process. Corrosion, in its most common form, is an electrochemical phenomenon where a metal degrades due to reactions with its environment. This degradation involves the transfer of electrons, which inherently creates an electrical circuit.

In a typical electrochemical corrosion cell, there are anodic and cathodic areas on the metal surface or between different metals in contact. At the anode, metal atoms lose electrons and become positively charged ions, dissolving into the environment. These released electrons travel through the metal to the cathode. At the cathode, these electrons react with oxidizing agents in the environment, such as oxygen and water. This electron flow through the metal and the ionic movement in the electrolyte constitute the corrosion current.

The magnitude of the korrosionsström is directly proportional to the rate of corrosion. A higher corrosion current indicates a faster rate of metal degradation. Factors influencing the corrosion current include the nature of the metals involved (their relative electrochemical potentials), the composition and conductivity of the surrounding electrolyte, temperature, and the presence of any protective coatings or inhibitors. Measuring or estimating korrosionsström can be a crucial diagnostic tool for assessing corrosion severity and developing effective corrosion control strategies.