Abstract: The anodic polarization curves of mild steel were measured in sodium bicarbonate solution of various concentrations, and the surface products were analyzed by XPS. Two anodic current peaks and two passive zones are observed in all the curves. When HCO_3~- ions concentration is below 0.1mol/L, the two peaks are so close that the first passive zone is difficult to be observed. When HCO_3~- ions concentration is above 0.1 mol/L, the first peak appears clear, while the second becomes smaller. The XPS results indicate that the out layer of film formed at a higher potential is mainly composed of Fe_2O_(3,) and the inner film is a mixture of ferrous and ferric oxide.

Key words: Anodic polarization, Carbon steel, Bicarbonate solution