Corrosion: types, prevention methods
Engineering Chemistry · Engineering
Study notes
Why does zinc protect iron from rusting (galvanization)? Zn is more anodic (E° = −0.76 V) than Fe (E° = −0.44 V). In the galvanic couple, Zn becomes the anode and corrodes: Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻, while Fe stays cathodic (protected). Even if the coating scratches, Zn sacrifices itself.
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