Which consequence results from prolonged exposure to seawater for wrought iron components in a Roman ballista?

💡 Explanation

When wrought iron is exposed to seawater, graphitic corrosion occurs because iron atoms selectively dissolve, leaving behind a porous matrix of graphite and iron oxides, reducing the material’s structural integrity. Therefore graphitic weakening occurs, rather than work hardening, passivation, or galvanic protection which involve different electrochemical processes.

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