The Study of Cathodic Reactions in Metallic Corrosion

The importance of the study of cathodic reactions under conditions similar to those of natural corrosion is pointed out, and the danger of extrapolating results obtained at higher current densities than those obtaining in corroding systems is stressed. The mechanisms of the hydrogen‐evolution and oxygen‐dissolution cathodic reactions are discussed, especially in relation to “hydride” and oxide films and (in the case of iron) the diffusion of cathodic hydrogen through the metal. The influences of inhibitors, and of accelerators of the “depolarizer” type, are briefly considered.