Novel Microcapillary Corrosion Testing Technique Pioneered by NCMRL (National Corrosion and Materials Reliability) Team

by Rebecca Crow, Ulises Martin, H. Castaneda

Inspired by the multiscale corrosion phenomenon, the need for precise tools to observe electrochemical reactions at microscopic levels grows increasingly urgent. Among these constant processes,  corrosion—a ubiquitous phenomenon affecting all metals remains a significant area of study. How, then, can  we effectively observe live electrochemical reactions on a micrometer scale, particularly about critical material  properties such as grain boundaries or impurities?

Addressing this challenge, researchers from the National Corrosion and Materials Reliability Laboratory (NCMRL) — Brooke Bond, Reece Goldsberry, Ulises Martin Diaz, Ph.D., and Dr. Homero Castaneda-Lopez— have developed a groundbreaking microcapillary testing setup. This innovative system measures AC and DC electrochemical reactions with remarkable precision, reaching a resolution of square micrometers (µm²) and detecting currents down to the picoampere range. 

This breakthrough enables detailed observation of electrochemical processes at a previously unattainable level, opening doors to a deeper understanding of corrosion mechanisms and material behaviors under diverse conditions. 

For further technical insights, the research team recommends reading their publication, “Applicability of microcapillary electrochemical droplet cell for monitoring microbiologically induced corrosion.” 

Additionally, a significant application of this microcapillary technology is explored in the article,  “Surface passivation on precipitated Ti-containing multi-principal element alloy subject to metal  aging.” 

The NCMRL Lab celebrates this milestone in corrosion science and looks forward to future innovations that will shape the field. Stay tuned for more updates as they continue to push the boundaries of material reliability research.