Holistic model for atmospheric corrosion Part 6 – From wet aerosol to salt deposit

This paper is the sixth paper outlining a holistic model of atmospheric corrosion. Previous papers outline how airborne salinity could be estimated at any given location and how the deposition onto a surface could be modelled. This paper investigates the initial reactions of raindrops or deposited marine aerosols on metal surfaces (zinc, galvanised steel, aluminium and gold). It combines short term field exposures with a series of controlled laboratory experiments. Surface changes to the metal upon field exposure are characterised by the nature and distribution of corrosion nodules, oxide films and retained salts. Eleven distinct forms of surface change are observed. The conditions promoting each pattern of surface changes were estimated by comparison with laboratory tests with a variety of deposition modes. Laboratory tests included deposition of saline droplets in three size ranges. A strategy to use the results in a holistic model of corrosion is proposed.