Measurements of corrosion at defects in painted zinc and zinc alloy coated steels using current density mapping

Current density mapping was used to locate and monitor the early stages of corrosion at defects on painted surfaces in solution. Principles of the technique and methods of analysis were reviewed, and the effects of different scribing techniques were investigated. Results for painted zinc and aluminum-zinc alloy coated steel surfaces showed corrosion occurred initially at localized sites on the exposed zinc in both dilute chloride and sulfate solutions and when zinc was galvanically coupled to or isolated from steel. Current density mapping was shown to locate corrosion-susceptible defects on painted roll-formed materials that were not readily discernible optically.