Abstract
This investigation demonstrates that scanning tunneling microscoky (STM) and stomic force microscopy (AFM) are capable of performing in-situ nanoscopic visualization of initiation and growth processes of localized corrosion in aqueous solutions. We discuss advantage and disadvantage of STM and AFM for in-situ visualization in aqueous solutions: an AFM is more suitable compared with an STM for in-situ visualization of localized corrosion damage, from the standpoints of scanning speed, stability and capability of imaging non-conducting surface of corrosion products. The nanoscopic initiation and growth mechanisms of localized corrosion of pitting corrosion, intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion crack of an austenitic stainless steel and 7XXX series aluminum alloys are dincussed based upon nanoscopic in-situ visualization by using STM/AFM.
