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Stability of lead-brass alloys in acidic chloride and sulfate solutions

Journal Article · · Corrosion (Houston); (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.5006/1.3293525· OSTI ID:7072776
; ;  [1]
  1. Univ. of Cairo, Giza (Egypt). Dept. of Chemistry

The electrochemical behavior of two lead-brass alloys with different lead (Pb) contents was investigated in acidic chloride (Cl[sup [minus]]) and sulfate (SO[sup [minus]][sub 4]) solutions under open-circuit and potentiostatic conditions using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Behavior of the alloy was compared to that of its constituent elements under the same conditions. The effect of Pb content on stability of the alloy was studied. In both electrolytes, the electrode impedance (Z) drifted toward higher values and then decreased. This behavior was attributed to the adsorption of anions on the electrode surface. After long immersion times, film breakdown occurred. Increasing Pb content in the alloy modified its characteristics and increased its corrosion resistance, as indicated by the increased impedance and polarization resistance values in both electrolytes. Such alloys are used extensively for condenser tubes and tube sheets in heat exchangers in power plants, oil refineries, and chemical plants where resistance to corrosion by water is a consideration. Leaded Muntz metal and naval brass tube sheets are used commonly in heat exchangers cooled with seawater.

OSTI ID:
7072776
Journal Information:
Corrosion (Houston); (United States), Journal Name: Corrosion (Houston); (United States) Vol. 50:6; ISSN 0010-9312; ISSN CORRAK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English