Electrolytic corrosion is damage caused to metal objects by an applied electric current in the presence of an electrolyte. It differs from the closely related galvanic corrosion in that in galvanic corrosion, the source of the electric current is the affected objects themselves, being composed of two dissimilar metals, forming a galvanic cell, while in electrolytic corrosion, the source of current is external.
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- "Electrolytic Corrosion". Corrosionpedia. 19 July 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
Electrolytic corrosion is often confused with galvanic corrosion. While galvanic corrosion is driven by the difference in corrosion potential between two metals, the electrolytic corrosion is driven by the external sources of EMF. In the case of large motor bearings and generator bearings, induced EMF of the shaft results in current flow in the bearing, resulting in bearing corrosion in the shape of pinhole-type pits formed on the bearing surface. Similarly, in the case of electrolytic corrosion of pipes, high-voltage direct current equipment and marine equipment, some external leakage current is always the driving force for the corrosion.
- "Galvanic and Electrolytic Corrosion: Reducing Damage with Zinc Anodes". Belmont Metals. 21 March 2018. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
Electrolytic corrosion is very similar to galvanic corrosion. The oxidation process is the same. The major difference is that an electric current has been introduced into the conducive electrolyte solution. When the electric current is added into seawater, it speeds up the oxidation rate as the electric current is passing from the anode metal to the cathode metal.