Here you can see an image of the bio-corroded surface of a carbon steel. The image was obtained with a water vapour pressure of 0.4 Torr into the analysis chamber of the ESEM XL30 TMP Philips Electron Microscope. The sample was not subjected to any prior treatment. The corroded surface shows the typical tubercles. Tubercles are due to the sulfate-reducing bacteria. Bacteria collect inside the tubercles and produce FeS. Biological corrosion is important also for copper and aluminium alloys. The small marker at the right bottom of the image represents a length of 50 microns (0.05 mm).To buy a 300 dpi image.

Secondary electron image of the biological corrosion, coloured by computer aids.

The corroded surface of the carbon steel is shown in the photograph below, in its natural condition.

optical image of the biological corrosion

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Last updated: December.08.2002

Images are ESEMIR ownership. For any use, ask for permission.