GALVANIC SERIES :----

The galvanic series is a contrary to that of Electro chemical sereis . Electrochemical series is the
series of metals increasing cathodic character or decreasing anodic character from left to right ----

Mg (-- 2.37 V) Al(--1.66 V) Zn(-- 0.76 V) ......... H(0.00V)........ Cu( 0.34V) Ag(0.80V) Pt(0.86V)
Au(1.69V).....

The galvanic series indicate the nobility of metal that increases or decreasing the anodic character
(active nature) from left to right ------ --

Mg – Zn – Al – Fe – Pb --....... H...... Cu – Ag – Ti – Au – Pt ...

We know that , when two dissimmiler metals connected and partially immersed in water ( in case of
Galvanic corrosion ) the metal which is in the above possition of electrochemical sereis get
corrodate. But in the galvanic series it is seen that the Zn (-- 0.76 V) is above the Al ( -- 1.66 V ),
[ contrary to that of electrochemical series] will be highly corrodate than Al , although it has high
electrode potential value than Al. ( similar case in the Ag and Ti metals also).

It is due to the fact that , in Al metal, developes a strongly adhering oxide layer on the surface ( just
like passive nature) , decreasing corrosion. Thereby , assuning the effective electrode potential
value is high than Zn.

So , electrochemical series does not account for the corrosion of all metals in proper way. Galvanic
series is the more practical series has been prepered in respect of the corrosion of metals in a given
environment , normally in sea water. It gives the real and useful information regurding the corrosion
of metals.

FACTORS EFFECTING THE RATE OF CORROSION :---

1 . NATURE OF THE METAL

( i ) position of the metal in galvanic series ----- The metal is in higher position in the
galvanic series , greater the value of oxidation potential . Thus greater the tendency to
become anode and hence greater is the rate of corrosion . When two metals are electrically
connected and having greater deference in their position in the said series , faster will be
the corrosion for anodic metal.

( ii ) Relative areas of Anode and Cathode ------- If a metal has small anodic area and large
cathodic area , then the corrosion will be the more intensive , faster corrosion rate at the
anodic region. Reversely , if the cathodic area is small in compare to anodic area , the
consumption of electron from anode will be slower and thus the rate of corrosion as a
whole will be slower.

( iii ) Impurity of metal ------ Impurity of metal generally cause heterogeneity and forms
several minutes electrochemical cells resulting corrosion.
( iv ) Nature of surface film ------- The rate of corrosion is highly influnce by the nature of
surface film that formed . ( Follow the Pilling Bedworth ratio)

( v ) Passive character of the metals ----- The metals which has the character for passivation
under particular conditions , has high power to resist corrosion . e.g Al , C r , Ti , Fe , Co etc.

2. NATURE OF THE CORRODING ENVIRONMENT

( i ) Temperature --- With increasing temperature of the environment , the reaction as well
as diffusion rate increases , thereby the corrosion rate is also increases.

( ii ) Humidity ---- The relative humidity above which the atmospheric corrosion rate of
metal increases sharply is known as Critical humidity. The value of critical humidity depends
on physical characteristic of metal and nature of the corrosion product.

( iii ) Influence of PH ---- In general , acidic media is more corrosive than alkaline or neutral
medium. However some metals like Al , Pb , Zn etc. dissove in alkaline solution as complex
ions.

( iv ) Presence of impurities in atmosphere ------ Atmospheric gases like CO2 , H2S , SO2 and
fumes of HCl , H2SO4 increases the corrosion rate . Chemically active suspended particles in
the atmosphere like NaCl , (NH4)2SO4 etc absorb moisure and act as strong electrolites ,
thus increase corrosion.

( v) Nature of ions present ---- anions like silicate in the medium leads to the formation of
insoluble reaction product ( Silica gel ) which inhibits further corrosion. On the other hand ,
presence of chloride ions in media destroy the protective or passive film and thus increases
the rate of corrosion.

( vi ) Conductance of corroding medium --- Conductance of dry sandy soil is low compare
to those clayey and mineralised soil. Therfore , the current will cause more damage to the
metallic structures burried under clayey and mineralised soil than those under dry sandy
soil.

( vii ) Formation of oxygen concentrated cell ---- With increase in supply of oxygen ( or air )
to the moist metal surface , the rate of corrosion is promoted. Less oxygen concentrated
area behaves like anode and more concentrated area behaves like cathode. Thus oxygen
concentrated cell if forms increase the corrosion.