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3 DISCUSSION
Through the results obtained, it is indeed true that each metal does have its own
individual corrosion behavior. By analyzing the corrosion behavior of each metal, the
importance and particular role not only can be understood but corrosion can also be
prevented.
Zinc metal had the highest corrosion rate in both acids. Zinc is characterized
(Nurnberger, 2001) Zinc also corrodes a lot in high pH solutions. Zinc as well is an
amphoteric metal and hence is not resistant in acid and alkaline regions. Though very
corrosive, Zinc has its advantages too. Zinc forms protective coatings made of solid
corrosion products in many normal media and in building materials by a reaction with its
environment. As zinc has a higher electromotive potential than iron or steel, it commonly
serves as galvanic protection for iron and steel. As zinc is sacrificed, rusting of iron can
be prevented.
Lead metal can not only be dissolved in acids, but also in alkalis. In fact, lead metal
has the highest corrosion rate in both alkali solutions. Lead is heavily attacked in an
alkaline electrolysis above pH 9. (Nurnberger, 2001, p. 76) Though Lead also corrodes
in oxygen-containing water, this has serve lead as a roofing material. While lead sheet
can resist the external elements better than any other roofing material, like many of its
rainwater contains an appreciable amount of dissolved carbon dioxide which attacks the
lead resulting in the formation of a layer of lead carbonate. The layer adheres to the
surface of the metal and gradually thickens to form a stable, protective patina,
metal had the lowest corrosion rate among all other metals in acids and alkalis. This is
due to the fact that copper has a positive standard electrode of +0.34 V. The resistance
of all grades of copper to atmospheric corrosion is good, hence their wide usage for
contact with most waters. Copper is used in domestic and commercial plumbing system.
The introduction of copper pipes offered a stronger, lighter and cheaper alternative to
lead. The first pipes, used in 1810 were made of sheet metal. Since then, there have
also used as an alloying element for alloys such as brass and bronze to minimize
corrosion.
Though alkali solutions are very aggressive in corroding Tin, Tin metal is more
resistant to acids and even distilled water. Due to its poor mechanical properties, it is
not used at all for structural materials. Instead, it is used to coat others metals such as
steel and is referred to as tinplate. (Maklouf, 2014) Since Tin has a lower position than
iron in the reactivity series, tin will not be sacrificed, in fact it prevents corrosion of Iron
Just like Tin, Silver is known to be corrosion resistant. However, it does show a high
contrary, Silver shows good resistivity towards acid and distilled water. Silver can also
alloys. This protects the inner content underneath by creating a barrier for corrosive
attack. Its shiny appearance also makes the coated product to be more presentable.
This is why silver plating is also used in a wide variety of applications from Christmas