Theory 151/Steel corrosion/Rate lens
Corrosion Follows Oxygen Supply
The claim
Atmospheric corrosion rate of steel is set by the rate at which oxygen reaches the surface rather than by humidity alone.
01Mechanism
The cathodic reaction consumes oxygen; its delivery through a moisture film limits the rate.
02Prediction
Corrosion should track oxygen flux.
03Refutation
Corrosion tracking humidity would remove oxygen transport.