Corrosion due to differential aeration reconsidered

By analysing current–potential curves, it is shown that, conversely to what is generally thought, differential aeration does not intrinsically cause accelerated corrosion of metals. Based on this finding, a reason for this probably general misconception in the scientific literature is sought. Finally, a possible explanation for macroscopic corrosion phenomena that are known to occur under circumstances of local oxygen depletion is formulated.