CORROSION RESEARCH ROUND‐UP Available to Purchase

GERMANY Cleaning and pre‐treatment of steel surfaces. Reference is made to the oxygen‐rich surface skin left on steel after rolling, and to its protective powers. Where it has been removed or loosened by accident or design, rusting occurs much more quickly. The nature of the skin and its more or less precarious bond with the base metal are noted, including electrochemical properties that require special attention. In water pipes, etc., exposed to water, corrosive attack appears to be localised and intensified at points where the skin has broken down. It is often considered desirable to remove the skin altogether to ensure more uniform spread of corrosion.