To investigate environmental conditions which influence the
type and formation of calcareous deposits, AISI 1010 steel
specimens were exposed in sea water at constant velocities
and controlled potentials. Chemistry and thickness of the
deposits which formed as a result of cathodic polarization
of steel in sea water were determined. These variables were
found to be a function of velocity and controlled potential
with film thickness decreasing as velocity increased for all
potentials considered. This behavior is interpreted in
terms of variations in pH at the metal surface. A mass
transfer analysis is presented which projects the pH at the
metal surface as a function of velocity and controlled potential.
Scanning electron micrographs are also included
to give information regarding the nature and type of deposits.
The experimental results are discussed within the
frame of accepted concepts of sea water cathodic protection.