Abstract
The initial corrosion of a zinc surface exposed to formic acid at various relative humidities has been investigated by in situ infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy. The major corrosion product observed was zinc formate, as evidenced in particular by the two strong carboxylate stretching vibrations. The importance of the thickness of the water adlayer always covering a metal surface was confirmed by the more rapid corrosion process monitored at higher relative humidities. Nonetheless, significant corrosion rates were observed even at low (25%) relative humidities. The corrosion rate at a given humidity was observed to initially be very fast, followed by slower kinetics at longer exposure times. This indicates a protective ability of the corrosion products formed compared to the initially more reactive fresh zinc surface.
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