Thermodynamic analysis of pH controlled embrittlement of mild and galvanized steels

Embrittling of Mild and Galvanized Steels as a function of pH was studied using hydrogen evolution technique at 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C. Enthalpies, free energies and Entropies of activation for anodic attack by H⁺ were determined. Mitigation of dissolution was lower at higher pH, indicating that dissolution of test materials was retarded in alkaline conditions. The activation energies of dissolution process was determined from the result of the experiment. The anodic protection of the metal surface by the components of the pH medium was demonstrated.