Effect of magnetic field on the corrosion of iron as studied by positron annihilation

Lifetime spectra of positron annihilation in iron corroded in a water solution of HCl and in vapour above its surface have been investigated with emphasis on the effect of corrosion time and environment (solution or vapour) as well as of the presence and orientation of the magnetic field on the measured positron annihilation parameters. All the registered positron lifetime spectra consist of two components. For corroded samples, the intensities of the two components as well as the corresponding values of the mean positron lifetime, differ from those for uncorroded material. The corrosion-induced changes in the positron annihilation parameters depend on the corrosion environment (solution or vapour) and on the presence and direction of external magnetic field.