The theory of metallic corrosion in the light of quantitative measurements

The principal object of the present research is the discovery of a satisfactory way of measuring the corrosion of metals in water and dilute salt solutions, and the use of it to test the adequacy of the newer electrochemical theory of corrosion as applied to such media. The theory suggests that a large number of factors can influence the rate of corrosion, but does not indicate quantita­tively their relative importance in given conditions, in fact, the theory is based at present upon qualitative or only roughly quantitative measurements. It is desirable, therefore, that a determined attempt should be made to place it upon a sounder basis, on account, both of the inherent interest of the theory and of its importance in technical problems of steadily increasing insistence. The present communication is the first portion of an extensive research; it is divided into three sections, the first gives an outline of the theory as understood by the authors; the second, a brief review of the kind of measurement upon which it rests; the third an improved method of measuring corrosion as applied to the metal zinc, together with an interpretation of the results so far obtained.