The corrosiveness of mercury to metals

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Mercury is a heavy metal that remains liquid at room temperature and has certain corrosive properties. The following is a detailed analysis of the corrosive effect of mercury on metals: The corrosion mechanism of mercury on metals. Mercury causes corrosion in metals through several mechanisms, including amalgamation corrosion: Mercury can form alloys with certain metals (such as aluminum, zinc, iron, etc.), namely amalgams. The formation of this alloy causes changes in the metal’s structure, thereby leading to corrosion. For example, when mercury comes into contact with aluminum, an aluminize is formed, leading to the corrosion of aluminum. Liquid metal embrittlement (LME): Mercury forms a liquid film on the metal surface, increasing the brittleness of the metal and making it prone to fracture. This corrosion mechanism is particularly evident in low-temperature environments, causing severe corrosion of materials such as aluminum alloys. Chemical corrosion: Mercury vapor undergoes a chemical reaction with the metal surface, resulting in the formation of corrosion products. For example, mercury vapor corrodes carbon steel and galvanized sheets, but to a relatively mild extent.