Tafel slopes and corrosion rates obtained in the pre-Tafel region of polarization curves

A short review of previous attempts to determine Tafel slopes and corrosion rates from data obtained in the pre-Tafel region of polarization curves is followed by a description of the approach taken in the POLFIT program. Several examples are given of the application of this program including the use of factorial design experiments to determine the optimum conditions for formation of a chromate-free conversion coating on hot dipped galvanized steel.