ME5506 Make-Up Quiz 1

1. PBR for a metal X is 1.4. Will the oxide formed on this material be definitely
protective? Justify your answer. What type of reaction law can be expected if
this oxide is definitely protective or not protective?
(10 Marks)
PBR for a metal X is 1.4. The oxide need not be protective. This will depend on
whether it sticks to the surface.
Definitely Protective: Logarithmic or Parabolic Law
Non-Protective: Linear Law

2. The free energy of formation of an oxide at room temperature for Material A

and B are -1kJ/mol and -100000 kJ/mol, respectively. When subjected to
oxygen containing atmosphere, will they form oxide film/scale? Which one will
make thicker oxide layer?
(10 Marks)
YES, they will form oxide film/scale as the Free Energy of Formation (G) is
negative.
We cannot say which of the two materials will make a thick oxide as
thermodynamics only indicates feasibility, and not the rate of reaction.

3. One way to improve the dry corrosion resistance of Aluminum is to increase

the thickness of the oxide layer. Explain how the corrosion resistance is
increased.
(10 Marks)
The increase in thickness of the oxide layer will result into a larger distance that
ions have to travel for the oxidation reaction, and hence the corrosion resistance is
increased.
This can also be visualized from Wagners Law, which states that the rate of
growth of oxide film is inversely proportional to its thickness.

4. Study the following sketch of an industrial township. The weather is

characterized by moderate temperatures (20-25deg C)) and low humidity
levels (<20%). Refinery burns coal as energy source.

a) Briefly describe the corrosion category and type (if applicable) exhibited by
the copper block and iron pole. (E Fe = -0.41V; E Cu = +0.34V)
(10 Marks)
Copper Block:
Category: Wet Corrosion
Type: Water-Line Corrosion
Iron Pole:
Category: Dry Corrosion
Type:
i)
ii)

Oxidation
Sulfidation (Exhaust from refinery gases)

b) Identify anodic and cathodic reactions for Copper and Iron, if applicable.
Copper:
Anodic: Cu Cu2+ + 2eCathodic: O2 + 2H2O + 4e- 4OHIron:

NOT APPLICABLE.

c) Suggest two methods to eliminate each type/category of corrosion that you

have identified above.
(10
Marks)
Copper:

(5 Marks)

a. Painting
b. Connecting it with more reactive material
c. Changing the material to say stainless steel
Iron:

(5 Marks)

a. Painting
b. Atmospheric control;
reducing Sulfur emissions
c. Selection of a material with resistance to sulfidation
E.g.:

Replace Ni and Ni-rich alloys with Co base alloys

Cr-Ni steels

5.
b) What type(s) of polarization(s) is/are exhibited in this diagram? Label them in the
diagram itself.
(5 Marks)

c) Redraw this diagram if the electrode is covered by an oxide layer. Show the
initial lines in dashed for comparison purpose.
(10 Marks)