Contribution of cellular automata to the understanding of corrosion phenomena

TL;DR

This paper introduces a stochastic cellular automata model to simulate various corrosion phenomena, linking electrochemical processes, material morphology, and corrosion rates to better understand and predict corrosion behavior.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel CA-based modeling framework that captures diverse corrosion processes, including localized and passive corrosion, with spatial electrochemical interactions.

Findings

Spontaneous spatial separation of anodic and cathodic zones linked to corrosion rate.

Corrosion morphology closely influences corrosion kinetics.

Model can simulate generalised, localized, and occluded corrosion phenomena.

Abstract

We present a stochastic CA modelling approach of corrosion based on spatially separated electrochemical half-reactions, diffusion, acido-basic neutralization in solution and passive properties of the oxide layers. Starting from different initial conditions, a single framework allows one to describe generalised corrosion, localised corrosion, reactive and passive surfaces, including occluded corrosion phenomena as well. Spontaneous spatial separation of anodic and cathodic zones is associated with bare metal and passivated metal on the surface. This separation is also related to local acidification of the solution. This spontaneous change is associated with a much faster corrosion rate. Material morphology is closely related to corrosion kinetics, which can be used for technological applications.