Polarization methods such as potentiodynamic polarization, potentiostaircase, and cyclic voltammetry are often used for laboratory corrosion testing. They can provide significant useful information regarding the corrosion mechanisms, corrosion rate and susceptibility of specific materials to corrosion in designated environments. Although these methods are well established, the results which they provide are not always clear and occasionally can be misleading. Real life examples will be provided where polarization methods were used and the results
analyzed. The examples will be from several sources including industrial
applications and will illustrate the possible problems and the eventual solutions which can come from using polarization methods. Comparisons will be made, where appropriate with results from similar materials or from various techniques. Examples of both successes and failures will be shown and potential pitfalls and difficulties will be highlighted.