MagniFiCor · Magnetism for the Functionalization of Metallic Materials Surfaces and its effect on Corrosion Phenomena

Magnetism for the Functionalization of Metallic Materials Surfaces and its effect on Corrosion Phenomena

The mechanisms of material degradation are determined by environmental factors such as chemical composition of the solution in contact with the surface of the material, mechanical stress, temperature or presence of magnetic fields. The effect of a magnetic field on surface phenomena of metallic materials and specifically on corrosion is an unusual and not very well understood variable, particularly important when material contains magnetic phases. The issues of electrochemical processes assisted by magnetism are of interest to a wide range of industries: from magnetically confined fusion reactors to water splitting technologies. The overall chemistry of an electrolyte in many cases is harmless to the material, but locally ions concentration inside the pit and thus the pH of the electrolyte within the pit decreases, which causes acceleration of corrosion process. For some cases the Lorentz force induced due to interaction between the anodic and cathodic currents from corrosion process and magnetic field might be significant. The possible impact of enhanced mass transfer by Lorentz force might be twofold and contradictory: (i) to enhance corrosion product transport away from an active site (accelerated corrosion) and (ii) to remove the aggressive species away from the pit and thereby result in re-passivation (prevention of further corrosion). The MagniFiCor project examines the effect of varied intensities and shapes of magnetic fields on electrochemical behaviour of materials surfaceA study of electrochemical processes at the surface of metallic materials under effect of DC or AC magnetic fields is not a trivial tasks and is a subject of many, but relatively random study. Some experimental observations have led to confusion and speculation rather than clarification, primarily due to uncertainties in the experimental control setup's ability. One of the significant challenge is to identify and separate overlapping signals coming from the phenomena itself and the appropriate shielding of the electrochemical setup to avoid artifacts that may falsify the results or lead to incorrect conclusions. The topic is very interesting from the point of view of fundamental research and applications. Considering that charged particles move along magnetic lines, it feels evident that magnetism influences redox reactions and the transport of electrons and protons between metals and conductive liquid environment, but may also affect the polarize sub-surface of the solid material and electric double layer properties, including polar molecules alignment.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз