Corrosion behaviour of mild steel in formic acid solutions

Abstract

The corrosion behaviour of mild steel in formic acid of different concentrations has been studied by weight loss and electrochemical techniques. It was found that the corrosion rate of mild steel in formic acid is a function of acid concentration and temperature. The maximum corrosion rate was observed in 20% formic acid solution by both techniques. The anodic polarization curves show active corrosion behaviour of mild steel over the whole range of potential at each concentration and temperature. Cathodic polarization curves are almost identical irrespective of the concentration of the formic acid. An attempt has been made to throw some light on the possible mechanism for corrosion of mild steel in formic acid solution on the basis of the results of the present investigation.