Magnetic Field Effects on Corrosion Behavior of Metals
Summary
The interplay between magnetic fields and metal corrosion has emerged as a multifaceted research area, revealing that applied fields can both inhibit and accelerate degradation depending on material, environment and field characteristics. Magnetic fields influence ionic transport and electrochemical kinetics through the Lorentz force, giving rise to magnetohydrodynamic flow that alters species distribution at the metal–electrolyte interface. In homogeneous fields, enhanced convection can reduce concentration polarisation and stabilise protective films, whereas in gradient or inhomogeneous fields field‐induced vortices may promote localised attack. The net effect also depends on metal composition, surface film chemistry and the presence of dissimilar metal couples. Understanding these phenomena holds global significance for oil and gas pipelines, marine infrastructure and electronic devices, offering routes to passive corrosion control, real‐time monitoring and optimisation of industrial processes under magnetic environments.
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Magnetic Field Effects on Corrosion Behavior of Metals publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in magnetic field effects on corrosion behavior of metals across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Galvanic corrosion: Electrochemical degradation occurring when two dissimilar metals form an electrical circuit in a corrosive environment, leading one metal (anode) to corrode preferentially.
Lorentz force: The force exerted on moving charged species in a magnetic field, which can induce fluid motion and influence ion transport near metal surfaces.
Magnetohydrodynamic flow: Fluid movement generated by the interaction of a magnetic field with electrical currents in a conductive liquid, affecting mass transport in corrosion processes.
Anodic dissolution: The process by which metal atoms lose electrons at the anode, forming ions that enter the solution, constituting the fundamental step of electrochemical corrosion.
References
- Galvanic corrosion behavior of 5083 alloy/H62 brass couple under magnetic field. Journal of Materials Research and Technology (2023).
- Effect of Magnetic Field on the Corrosion of API-5L-X65 Steel Using Electrochemical Methods in a Flow Loop. Applied Sciences (2021).
- In-operando analysis of the corrosion patterns and rates under magnetic fields using metallic film. npj Materials Degradation (2022).
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