What Does
Sulfate Ion Content Mean?
Sulfate ion content refers to the quantitative concentration of the polyatomic anion of sulfur and oxygen chargers present in a solution. A high sulfate ion content generates a more acidic solution environment that results in faster rates of corrosion.
Corrosionpedia Explains Sulfate Ion Content
Sulfate ion content has a direct correlation with the pH (acidity) of a solution. The greater the sulfate ion content, the lower the pH and the greater the degree of acidity. Under cathodic control, sulfate ions accelerate the corrosion process.
In certain cases, the pH of the electrolytic solution should be adjusted to the desired pH values for each sulfate concentration. This can be achieved by adding sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid. The pH value of the solution can then be measured using litmus paper. Once the setup is complete, corrosion tests are performed at various temperatures ranges by putting the corrosion cell in a calibrated thermostat.