
Electrochemical corrosion tests are a type of corrosion testing that involves using an electrochemical cell to simulate the corrosion process. These tests are widely used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of metals and alloys, and to study the fundamental aspects of the corrosion process.
In an electrochemical corrosion test, a test specimen is immersed in an electrolyte solution, and an external electrical circuit is created using an electrode. The test specimen and the electrode act as the anode and cathode of an electrochemical cell, and the flow of electrons between the anode and cathode drives the corrosion process.
There are several types of electrochemical corrosion tests, including:
- Potentiodynamic polarization tests – These tests measure the current response of a metal to an increasing potential sweep in a solution. This is a quick and widely used method to determine the general corrosion rate and the corrosion potential of a metal.
- Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) – This test measures the electrical impedance of a metal in a solution as a function of frequency. It can provide information about the corrosion mechanism, the corrosion rate, and the film properties.
- Galvanic corrosion tests – These tests evaluate the corrosion of a metal in contact with another metal in a solution. Galvanic corrosion occurs when two metals with different electrochemical potentials are connected in a conductive solution.

The results of electrochemical corrosion tests are typically analyzed using electrochemical techniques, such as polarization curves, impedance spectra, or galvanic current measurements. These techniques provide detailed information about the corrosion mechanism, the corrosion rate, and the effectiveness of corrosion control measures.
Electrochemical corrosion tests are important for evaluating the corrosion resistance of metals and alloys, and for developing effective corrosion control measures. They are widely used in industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, and automotive, and in academic research on the fundamental aspects of the corrosion process.