Inhibition of corrosion of Al 6061, aluminum, and an aluminum-copper alloy in chloride-free aqueous media. Part 2: Behavior in basic solutions
- Univ. of Kuwait, Safat (Kuwait)
Electrochemical characteristics of Al 6061 (UNS A96061), Al and an Al-Cu alloy were investigated in aqueous solutions. Inhibition of the corrosion processes in basic solutions was studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization techniques. Among a series of inhibitors, molybdate (MoO{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}}) and dichromates (Cr{sub 2}O{sub 7}{sup 2{minus}}) were found effective in passivating the metal or alloy surface. The high inhibition action of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 7}{sup 2{minus}} was traced and discussed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the different electrode materials revealed the presence of Cu peaks on the Al-Cu alloy surface. Immersion of the different electrodes in basic solutions containing the same concentration of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 7}{sup 2{minus}}, MoO{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}}, and sulfate (SO{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}}) anions did not show characteristic peaks of Cr, Mo, or S, which meant the surface layer consisted mainly of aluminum oxide (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}). Depth profiling experiments up to 6.0-nm thickness showed the Cu peaks of the Al-Cu alloy appeared after etching and that Mo was incorporated in the surface film. The presence of Cu on the Al-Cu surface initiated flawed regions, identified by scanning electron microscopy, which were responsible for increased corrosion rates of this alloy. Effectiveness of the dichromate as a corrosion inhibitor for these materials resulted from its powerful oxidizing properties, which led to formation of a stable passive film.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 669825
- Journal Information:
- Corrosion, Vol. 54, Issue 5; Other Information: PBD: May 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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