Effect of placement of aluminium foil on growth of etch tunnels during DC etching

The tunnel growth behaviour of aluminium foil etched in different placement has been investigated. The limiting length of tunnel of specimens in increasing order is: face-down, vertical, and face-up placement. Many sub tunnels branch on the wall surface of the main tunnel when aluminium is etched in face-down placement, while much fewer sub tunnels are formed when aluminium is etched in face-up placement. A novel etching model has been proposed to interpret the phenomenon, by considering the electrocapillary effect. It reveals that the status and transport of hydrogen bubbles inside the tunnel has a great influence on the tunnel growth.     

A study of 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid as a corrosion inhibitor for steel in carbon dioxide containing environments

4-Carboxyphenylboronic acid (CPBA) has been found to be an efficient carbon dioxide (CO₂) corrosion inhibitor for steel in aqueous media. The results indicate that the addition of CPBA to CO₂ containing sodium chloride solutions at a low concentration is able to retard corrosion anodic reactions, reduce corrosion current densities, increase charge transfer and total resistances, resulting in more uniform and smoother steel surfaces. These effects are attributed to the formation of a barrier layer on steel surface, which provides metal surface protection. The inhibitor was also found to mitigate corrosion by promoting random distribution of minor anodes.     

Nano-pit corrosion of the tabs in aluminum electrolytic capacitor: Polarization characteristics of the tabs in ethyleneglycol-borate solution with chloride ions

To evaluate the corrosion behavior of the anode tab in aluminum electrolytic capacitor, we performed some electrochemical and morphology analysis using the polarization curves in conjunction with atomic force microscope (AFM), scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and optical microscope (OM). The results suggest that the current oscillation was found to be associated with nano-pit, which is defined as the rectangular pit (β) with a depth less than 55 nm and a width no more than 100 nm. Furthermore, elevation of Cl⁻ concentration widened the crevices caused by electrolytic tension, enlarged the nano-pit area, and accelerated the electrochemical reaction rate of the anode tab in ethyleneglycol-borate solution. These findings may have implications for the failure of aluminum electrolytic capacitor.     

Tunnel morphology of aluminum foil etched by a two-step DC etching method

A two-step DC etching of aluminum foil for capacitor is proposed. The first step DC etching was processed in a solution of HCl + H₂SO₄, the second was finished in a solution containing NaCl with some addition or no addition. Experiments indicated that the tunnel morphology was variable with the composition of electrolyte during the second step DC etching. When the solution of NaCl was used as electrolyte, the density of tunnels was increased. However, when some organic compound was added in the electrolyte of NaCl, the tunnels’ length was increased, and many branch tunnels were fabricated.     

Blue tetrazolium as a novel corrosion inhibitor for cold rolled steel in hydrochloric acid solution

The inhibition effect of blue tetrazolium (BT) on the corrosion of cold rolled steel (CRS) in 1.0 M HCl solution at 20 °C was investigated by weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The results show that BT is a very good inhibitor, and the adsorption of BT on CRS surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Polarization curves reveal that BT acts as a mixed-type inhibitor. EIS spectra exhibit one capacitive loop and confirm the inhibitive ability. The inhibition action of BT is also evidenced by SEM images.     

Continuous monitoring of aluminum corrosion process in deaerated water

A device was developed for the continuous measurement of the open circuit corrosion rate of aluminum in deaerated water from hydrogen pressure, resulted from the cathodic reaction. Corrosion rate of aluminum coated by the passive oxide film was examined with respect to the corrosion phenomena using this device. From the results, it was found that the corrosion rate was dependent not only on the deterioration of the film, but also on the formation of pits and of corrosion products on the film. Furthermore, the deterioration of the film was independent on the pH of the water. The pits were most probably formed by the evolution of hydrogen gas at the cathode underneath the film followed by the formation of .     

Benzyltrimethylammonium iodide as a corrosion inhibitor for steel in phosphoric acid produced by dihydrate wet method process

The inhibition effect of benzyltrimethylammonium iodide (BTAI) on the corrosion of cold rolled steel (CRS) in phosphoric acid produced by dihydrate wet method process (7.0 M H₃PO₄) solution was investigated for the first time by weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The results show that BTAI is a good inhibitor, and the adsorption of BTAI obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Polarization curves show that BTAI behaves as a mixed-type inhibitor. EIS spectra exhibit one capacitive loop and confirm the inhibitive ability. The inhibition action of BTAI is also evidenced by SEM images.     

Investigation of corrosion behavior of aluminum flakes coated by polymeric nanolayer: Effect of polymer type

Protection of aluminum pigments from corrosion phenomenon has been extended by an encapsulating polystyrene (PS) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) nanolayers. Flakes were first coupled with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) and in situ polymerizations of styrene and acrylic acid, initiating with Azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) were performed. The encapsulated flakes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Also, polymer chains were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Subsequently the chemical stability of the pigments in alkaline and acidic aqueous media was examined. Results indicated that polystyrene coating remarkably improved flakes’ anticorrosion property while PAA evolved hydrogen.     

Microstructure and pitting corrosion of friction stir welded joints in 2219-O aluminum alloy thick plate

Effect of welding parameters on the microstructure and pitting corrosion of different positions along the thickness of weld nugget zone in friction stir welded 2219-O aluminum alloy plate was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polarization experiment and electrochemical impedance tests (EIS). It was found that the material presents significant passivation and the top has best corrosion resistance compared to the bottom and base material. Corrosion resistance decreases with the increase of traverse speed from 60 to 100 mm/min at rotary speed 400 rpm. Corrosion resistance at rotary speed 600 rpm is lower than that at 500 rpm.     

The investigation of synergistic inhibition effect of rhodanine and iodide ion on the corrosion of copper in sulphuric acid solution

The synergistic inhibition effect of rhodanine (Rdn) and iodide ion on the corrosion of copper in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution was studied using electrochemical techniques. The surface morphologies of the substrates were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Elemental analysis of electrode surface exposed to test solution was determined by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It was found that Rdn provided satisfactory inhibition on the corrosion of copper. Moreover, its inhibition efficiency further increased in the presence of iodide ions due to synergistic effect. Finally, a mechanism of inhibition is proposed and discussed.     

Electrochemical investigation and modeling of corrosion inhibition of aluminum in molar nitric acid using some sulphur-containing amines

Chemical and electrochemical measurements incorporated with quantum chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the corrosion inhibition characteristics of some thiosemicarbazone derivatives on the inhibition of aluminum corrosion in 1.0 M HNO₃. Polarization curves demonstrated that the thiosemicarbazone derivatives were of mixed-type inhibitors. EIS plots indicated that the addition of thiosemicarbazone derivatives increases the charge-transfer resistance of the corrosion process, and hence the inhibition performance. The molecular dynamics simulation results show that the three thiosemicarbazone derivatives can adsorb on the A₂O₃ (1 1 1) surface through the sulphur and nitrogen atoms as well as π-electrons in the pyridyl structure.     

Monitoring corrosion and corrosion control of iron in HCl by non-ionic surfactants of the TRITON-X series - Part I. Tafel polarisation, ICP-AES and EFM studies

The corrosion inhibition characteristics of non-ionic surfactants of the TRITON-X series, known as TRITON-X-100 (TX-100), TRITON-X-165 (TX-165) and TRITON-X-305 (TX-305), on iron in 1.0 M HCl solution were studied. Measurements were conducted in 1.0 M HCl solutions without and with various concentrations of the three selected surfactants using chemical (ICP-AES method of analysis of dissolved cations) and electrochemical (Tafel polarisation and EFM) techniques at 25 °C. These measurements were complemented with SEM and EDX examinations of the electrode surface. Polarisation data showed that the non-ionic surfactants used in this study acted as mixed-type inhibitors with cathodic predominance. The protection efficiency increased with increase in surfactant concentration. Maximum protection efficiency of the surfactant was observed at concentrations around its CMC. From their molecular structure, these surfactants may adsorb on the metal surface through two lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atoms of the hydrophilic head group.     

Microstructure and corrosion of Pd-modified Ti alloys produced by powder metallurgy

A method for the fabrication of titanium alloy parts with enhanced corrosion resistance by a powder metallurgy route is presented in this paper. Commercial purity titanium powders modified with Pd have been hot isostatically pressed (HIPped) and the microstructure and distribution of the noble metal characterised by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemistry of the HIPped alloy has been assessed and the effect of powder size fraction evaluated. Results show that the phase composition and electrochemistry of the HIPped Pd-modified alloy is equivalent to that of wrought grade 7 Ti.     

Prior corrosion and fatigue of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy

Pit-to-crack transition experiments were conducted on two thicknesses of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy. Specimens were corroded using a 15:1 ratio of 3.5% sodium chloride solution and hydrogen peroxide prior to fatigue loading. Cracks originating from corrosion pits were visually investigated using various microscopy techniques in order to gain insight into the pit-to-crack transition process.All pre-corroded specimens in this study fractured from cracks associated with pitting. Pit-to-crack transition was successfully observed using digital video techniques. The more aggressively corroded 2024-T3-4.064 mm specimens experienced more of an overall fatigue life reduction than 2024-T3-1.600 mm specimens. Results indicated that quantities such as pit surface area and surrounding pit proximity are as important as pit depth in determining when and where a crack will form.     

Tryptamine as a corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in hydrochloric acid solution

The inhibitor effect of tryptamine on the corrosion of mild steel in 0.5 M hydrochloric acid at 30 °C was investigated using linear polarization, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The inhibition efficiency increases with an increase in concentration of tryptamine. At 500 ppm tryptamine the inhibition efficiency calculated by these techniques is around 97%. Cathodic and anodic polarization curves of mild steel in the presence of different concentrations of tryptamine at 30 °C reveal that it is a mixed type inhibitor. Tryptamine follows Langmuir adsorption with adsorption free energy of −35.07 kJ mol⁻¹.     

Sodium phthalamates as corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel in aqueous hydrochloric acid solution

Three compounds of N-alkyl-sodium phthalamates were synthesized and tested as corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel in 0.5 M aqueous hydrochloric acid. Tests showed that inhibitor efficiencies were related to aliphatic chain length and dependent on concentration. N-1-n-tetradecyl-sodium phthalamate displayed moderate efficiency against uniform corrosion, 42–86% at 25 °C and 25–60% at 40 °C. Tests indicated that compounds behave as mixed type inhibitors where molecular adsorption on steel followed Langmuir isotherm, whereas thermodynamic suggested that a physisorption process occurred. XPS analysis confirmed film formation on surface, where Fe⁺² complexes and Fe⁺² chelates with phthalamates prevented steel from further corrosion.     

Caffeic acid as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel

The inhibitor effect of the naturally occurring biological molecule caffeic acid on the corrosion of mild steel in 0.1 M H₂SO₄ was investigated by weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance and Raman spectroscopy. The different techniques confirmed the adsorption of caffeic acid onto the mild steel surface and consequently the inhibition of the corrosion process. Caffeic acid acts by decreasing the available cathodic reaction area and modifying the activation energy of the anodic reaction. A mechanism is proposed to explain the inhibitory action of the corrosion inhibitor.     

Monitoring corrosion and corrosion control of iron in HCl by non-ionic surfactants of the TRITON-X series – Part II. Temperature effect, activation energies and thermodynamics of adsorption

The inhibition characteristics of non-ionic surfactants of the TRITON-X series, namely TRITON-X-100 (TX-100), TRITON-X-165 (TX-165) and TRITON-X-305 (TX-305), on the corrosion of iron was studied in 1.0 M HCl solutions as a function of inhibitor concentration (0.005–0.075 g L⁻¹) and solution temperature (278–338 K). Measurements were conducted based on Tafel extrapolation method. Electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM), a non-destructive corrosion measurement technique that can directly give values of corrosion current without prior knowledge of Tafel constants, is also presented. Experimental corrosion rates determined by the Tafel extrapolation method were compared with corrosion rates obtained by the EFM technique and an independent method of chemical analysis. The chemical method of confirmation of the corrosion rates involved determination of the dissolved cation, using ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry). The aim was to confirm validation of corrosion rates measured by the Tafel extrapolation method. Results obtained showed that, in all cases, the inhibition efficiency increased with increase in temperature, suggesting that chemical adsorption occurs. The adsorptive behaviour of the three surfactants followed Temkin-type isotherm. The standard free energies of adsorption decreased with temperature, reflecting better inhibition performance. These findings confirm chemisorption of the tested inhibitors. Thermodynamic activation functions of the dissolution process were also calculated as a function of each inhibitor concentration. All the results obtained from the methods employed are in reasonable agreement.     

The use of quantum chemical methods in corrosion inhibitor studies

Quantum chemical methods are particularly significant in the study of electrochemistry and provide researchers with a relatively quick way of studying the structure and behaviour of corrosion inhibitors. The originality of this review article is based on the fact that it is the first and unique general reference for all those interested in the use of quantum chemical methods in corrosion inhibitor studies. It begins with a concise summary of the most used quantum chemical parameters and methods and then summarizes the results of research articles in corrosion science over the past 20 years.     

Investigation on some Schiff bases as corrosion inhibitors for mild steel

In the present work, the effect of some newly synthesized Schiff bases containing sulphur nitrogen as heteroatom was investigated on mild steel corrosion in acidic media. Electrochemical studies of the mild steel samples were performed in an aerated solution of 0.1 M HCl + dimethyl sulphoxide (DMS) as co-solvent. DMS is also behaving as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel. At low inhibitor concentration and short immersion time one can see only the inhibitive effect of DMS as anodic inhibitor for mild steel. At high concentration and long immersion time inhibition efficiencies are increased and cathodic inhibition is observed.