Comparative study of the atmospheric corrosion of zinc- coated iron sheets in the south- eastern part of the Niger delta, Nigeria. – I. E. Uwah, I. J. Ogbonna and U. J. Ekpe
ABSTRACT
The investigation on the atmospheric corrosion of zinc coated iron sheets at three stations ( Iko, Berger Camp and Utaewa ) in the South South Geopolitical zone of Nigeria was carried out for a period of 12 months. A fabricated sampling stand with a newly purchased and pre-cleaned zinc coated iron roofing sheet was used from which direct rainwater (DRW) and roof rainwater (RRW) samples were collected. Zinc coated roofing sheet coupons were mounted and placed at each location. The coupons were exposed in order to determine corrosion rates using their weight losses. Physicochemical parameters like pH, Cl-, electrical conductivity and others were determined in the rainwater samples. The corrosion rates of the coupons exposed to the atmosphere were as follows: Iko (6.37× 10 -3mgdm-1 day-1), Utaewa (6.07× 10-3mgdm-2day-1) and Berger Camp (4.08 ×10-3mgdm-2day-1). Similarly the level of acidity of rainwater samples from the pH levels determined followed the same trend: Iko > Utaewa > Berger camp.