theory of metal passivation

theory of metal passivation

Research concept

Theory of metal passivation

Metal surface contacting with solution of electrolyte in some definite

condition transformed to so called passive state. Study of this phenomena

on the border of metal – electrolyte plays an important role, as they

define the process of destruction of metal. And it is thermodynamically

favourable for metal to dissolve as a result of these process. Such

phenomenon was first observed by M. Faraday. This is one of the main factor

of stability of metal in aggressive environment.

It is known that, there is no unified model of passivation. The most

common and in first sight convincing conception of phase oxide is

connecting passivation with mechanical formation of thin film on metal

surface with oxide layer. However, potential of phase oxide formation

differ from critical parameter of polarised curve (pic. 1), specially from

potential of activation (a and passivation (П. In case of iron this

difference is 0,63 v. For this reason the phase film conception of

passivation cannot be taken in that from.

In case of metal passsivation determining role plays water molecule.

Some part of water molecule dissociate in the process of adsorption and ion

of oxygen breaking the bond with proton firmly block the most active centre

of metal surface. This may be considered as start of passivation.

In the theory of passivation some physical factor must be taken in

account. Most important of those are stated bellow.

1. Strong electric field. It define the transform of metal to metal

oxide: [pic].

2. Equilibrium exchange on the border with solution in which take part

the ion OH- and Oox.

3. Number of nonequilibrium vacancy in the passivaing oxide lattice.

4. Energetic inhomogeneity of metal surface.

Major factor of the process is inter phase difference of potential,

which is defined by composition of the solution. Depending on its value the

current of dissolution take the form:

Breaks on this curve is connected with the formation of thin

protection layer in sector II. Reaction of this passive layer formation is

[pic]

The oxygen undertakes from molecules of water, and half metal from the

substrate of metal surface. As a result of formation of this layer the

current falls on 4-7 orders in a very narrow interval of potential change

(. After formation of a continuous monolayer there occur the state of

passivity III.

The question, how this passive layer is formatted was not studied. We

shall try to explain the process of passive layer formation and the kinetic

of the process.

With this purpose it would be possible to use the thermodynamic theory

of Gibbs- Folmer, according to which at formation of a new phase the free

energy of system changes in the value [pic].

[pic],

Where q- the geometrical factor, l- the size of the cluster , M, (-

molecular weight and density of a firm phase, [pic]- chemical potentials of

supersaturated solution and firm phase with concentration C1,2 and

coefficient of activity f1,2. In the point of maximum [pic] the cluster is

equilibrium, its critical size lkp surpasses few times the sizes of

building particles (molecules) of the layer. The probability of its

formation is defined by the work A of this process

[pic],

With the condensation of the factor of crystallisation Wc , the probability

of crystal cluster formation Wk is

[pic].

It is defined by the classical approaches, according to which the

formation of equilibrium crystal take place by consecutive connection of

building particles to the complexes, already available on surface M.

At calculation of probability it is accepted, that on the surface M

spontaneously arise (or on the contrary, break up) twin crystal particles

of various sizes of a and with inter nuclear distance r0. The sizes change

as a result of the consecutive elementary acts (transitions) of the type

such as [pic], i.e. growth or disintegration of crystal particles.

Probability of elementary transitions we shall designate Pa( a(r0 ,

[pic]. Their speeds [pic]. These values represent quantity of the acts

taking place in 1 cm2 of the surface M for 1 sec. They are proportional to

superficial concentration na of particles of the given size and

probabilities of the elementary acts

[pic].

Resulting speed of direct and return transitions

[pic].

At balance state

[pic]

Proceeding from this it is possible to find out

[pic]

Further we shall define A1 and A2. Proceeding from this it is possible to

calculate the speed of cluster formation

[pic]

With the help of this formula it is possible to define the laws of

formation of the passive layer on the sector II (in pic.1).

Then taking in to account the energetic inhomogeneity of metal surface

it is possible to find out the integrated current density

[pic]

where (- bond energy.

To each pair value of [pic] corresponds the certain probability I((,

(i) of formation of twin cluster and the local degree of filling [pic] by

them ith platforms of the surface M. With the growth of potential (

formation of cluster becomes more and more intensive. And accordingly

grows the integrated degree of its filling[pic] by cluster,

[pic]

Thus the processing of the first thin superficial layer of metal in

oxide is finished. Take place complete passivation of the surface M, the

sector II on the curve (fig. 1) is replaced by the sector III, for which

the new physical conditions must be taken in account. And further

researched may be done.

-----------------------

pic. 1

(ПП

(0

(П

IV

III

II

I

lg ia((a)

(а