The influence of Reynolds number on the galvanic corrosion of the copper/AISI 304 pair in aqueous LiBr solutions

The influence of Reynolds number on the galvanic corrosion of the copper/AISI 304 stainless steel pair in a concentrated lithium bromide solution was investigated according to the mixed potential theory. A hydraulic circuit was designed to study dynamic corrosion processes in situ. A potential relation between corrosion current density (i_corr) and Reynolds number (Re) was found for copper, showing a mixed control of a chemical step and mass transport through the corrosion products film with the predominance of the former. No dependence of i_corr on Re could be established for AISI 304, showing a chemical step control. Moreover, under stagnant conditions, partial passivation may occur in AISI 304; however, under flowing conditions passivation is not possible. Copper is the anodic element of the pair under all flowing conditions analysed. The galvanic phenomenon is more important as Re increases, but the results show compatibility of both materials at all Re values analysed. Similarly, a potential relation between galvanic current density (i_G) and Re was found, showing a mixed control of a chemical step and mass transport with the predominance of the latter. Copper corrosion resistance decreases more rapidly as Re increases due to the AISI 304 galvanic effect: there is a synergy between the galvanic effect and the hydrodynamic conditions. Under stagnant conditions, the galvanic behaviour of the materials is close to the compatibility limit and an inversion of the anodic element of the galvanic pair takes place.