The breakdown and repassivation of passive films on iron whisker and amorphous alloys

Abstract

The breakdown of passive films in a chloride solution, as a result of the initiation of pitting corrosion or the formation of pit embryos, was studied with iron whiskers and some amorphous alloys by measuring current fluctuations. Deformation of substrate and passive film in chloride free conditions did not affect breakdown phenomena in a chloride solution. Breakdowns and rapid repairs of the films were remarkable only when they deformed in a chloride solution. It were suggested that impurities in the substrate and the repassivation process in chloride solutions have a substantial responsibility for breakdown of the films.