CorroZone Podcast · 16 Jun 2026
Pourbaix Diagrams
- Free
- Lecture
- Beginner
- ~27 min
Reading the corrosion map: how a Pourbaix (E–pH) diagram is built from the Nernst equation and chemical equilibria, the immunity, passivation and corrosion regions, the water-stability lines, worked examples for iron, aluminium and zinc, and where thermodynamic predictions must give way to kinetics.
Show notes
What you'll learn
- Construct Pourbaix diagram boundaries from Nernst equation and chemical equilibria
- Identify and interpret the immunity, passivation, and corrosion regions on a Pourbaix diagram
- Explain the physical meaning of the water stability lines and their engineering significance
- Read and interpret the iron Pourbaix diagram for practical corrosion scenarios
- Compare Pourbaix diagrams for iron, aluminium, and zinc and draw engineering conclusions
- State the thermodynamic limitations of Pourbaix diagrams and when kinetic information is additionally required
- Apply Pourbaix diagrams to cathodic protection design, pH control decisions, and materials selection
Who this is for
Anyone beginning their study of corrosion — students, engineers, and technical staff who want a solid foundation in why metals corrode and what can be done about it. No prior background assumed.
What you'll learn
- Construct Pourbaix diagram boundaries from Nernst equation and chemical equilibria
- Identify and interpret the immunity, passivation, and corrosion regions on a Pourbaix diagram
- Explain the physical meaning of the water stability lines and their engineering significance
- Read and interpret the iron Pourbaix diagram for practical corrosion scenarios
- Compare Pourbaix diagrams for iron, aluminium, and zinc and draw engineering conclusions
- State the thermodynamic limitations of Pourbaix diagrams and when kinetic information is additionally required
- Apply Pourbaix diagrams to cathodic protection design, pH control decisions, and materials selection