In a corrosion cell, the critical components that facilitate the electrochemical reactions leading to corrosion are the anode, cathode, and electrolytes.
The anode is the site where oxidation occurs, meaning that metal is lost as it reacts with the environment. At this location, electrons are released. The cathode, in contrast, is where reduction takes place; it is the site that consumes the electrons released by the anode. This flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode creates a galvanic cell, which is essential in driving the corrosion process.
Electrolytes, which can be liquids (such as water containing salts) or solid electrolytes, allow for the movement of ions between the anode and cathode, completing the circuit necessary for the corrosion process to occur. The presence of these three components is vital in the formation of a corrosion cell, making them the foundational aspects of understanding corrosion mechanics in coating inspection and materials engineering.