You wish to perform a free potential measurement (OCV)
What is the free potential measurement (OCV)?
The measurement of free potential, also called open circuit voltage (OCV), is a non-intrusive electrochemical technique allowing to evaluate the electrochemical equilibrium state of a system without applying current.
It is commonly used to characterize electroactive materials, anti-corrosion coatings or even batteries and fuel cells.
Electrochemical characterization and free potential measurement (OCV) can be applied to many industrial sectors, from aeronautics to cosmetics, through energy and medical devices.
Why perform a free potential measurement (OCV)
Evaluate the corrosion resistance of a metal or an alloy
Test the effectiveness of an anticorrosive coating or a paint
Characterize passive films on metal surfaces
Control the degradation of electrolytes, batteries or sensors
Study diffusive, capacitive or resistive behaviors in a system
The FILAB laboratory supports you in measuring free potential (OCV)
Why choose FILAB for free potential measurement (OCV)
FILAB, a laboratory made up of experts in metallurgy and steelmaking analysis, provides its knowledge and expertise to carry out free potential measurement (OCV) and electrochemical characterization of your metal parts.
To support you in the best conditions, the FILAB laboratory is approved Research Tax Credit and accredited COFRAC ISO 17025.
ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUE
Electrochemical free potential measurement (OCV) is a non-destructive method that analyzes the properties of interfaces between a material and its electrochemical environment. By applying an alternating signal, it measures the resistance and ability of a system to conduct loads. This technique is essential for evaluating the stability of protective coatings and the durability of biomaterials, such as medical implants, by providing valuable information on long-term mechanisms.
Why perform a free potential measurement (OCV)?
Évaluer la tenue à la corrosion d’un métal ou d’un alliage
Tester l’efficacité d’un revêtement anticorrosion ou d’une peinture
Caractériser des films passifs sur des surfaces métalliques
Contrôler la dégradation d’électrolytes, batteries ou capteurs
Étudier des comportements diffusifs, capacitifs ou résistifs dans un système
Ensure the durability and reliability of materials
Encourage innovation and compliance
Know the initial behavior of an electrochemical system before any solicitation
Common applications of free potential measurement (FPM)
our electrochemical analysis services
Determination of the corrosion rate (LSV) in order to know the corrosion rate (mm/year) in various environments (salt water, pure water, inhibitor presence)
Measurement of corrosion potential (polarization curves)
Development of specific electrochemical tests (cathodic delamination, ACET, corrosion at the edges ...)
Study of galvanic coupling in order to analyze the interactions between two metallic materials to identify differential corrosion risks (ex: Zinc vs Steel)
Characterization of protective properties: barrier properties, porosity, water permeability, delamination, filamentary corrosion... ,
Electrochemical impedance measurement (EIS) to detect defects in protective coatings, evaluate the homogeneity of layers and study surface corrosion phenomena (e.g. oxide formation).
FAQ
The measurement of free potential is used in many sectors:
- Energy (batteries, fuel cells) Aeronautics & automotive (corrosion of alloys)
- Medical devices (biocorrosion)
- Cosmetic & pharmaceutical (packaging materials)
- Nuclear & defense (stability control of sensitive materials)
Unlike techniques such as linear polarization or EIS (electrochemical impedance), OCV does not stress the system. It is a passive measure, often used as a prior step or as a reference indicator.
Several parameters are to be controlled:
- Composition of the electrolyte
- Temperature
- Sample surface preparation
- Type and position of the electrodes
At the FILAB laboratory, these parameters are rigorously controlled to ensure the reliability of the results.
