On the Involvement of H sub 2 O sub 2 and SO sub 2 in the Atmospheric Corrosion of Steel.

Despite extensive study over the years, the chemical processes involved in the atmospheric corrosion of iron and its alloys remain poorly understood, particularly as regards the involvement of sulfur. In this communication, the reactions and constraints involving ions and atmospheric sulfur dioxide and hydrogen peroxide are presented and discussed. It is demonstrated that the interactive chemistry of hydrogen peroxide and bisulfite ion in the aqueous surface film can either enhance or impede the rate of corrosion of steel. The mechanism is consistent with and provides additional detail for qualitative mechanism previously presented for the atmospheric corrosion of steel.