Pitting corrosion studies on Al and Al-Zn alloys in SCN solutions

Pitting of Al and Al-6%Zn and Al-12%Zn alloys in KSCN solutions was studied by means of potentiodynamic anodic polarization, cyclic voltammetry, potentiostatic and impedance techniques. Measurements were conducted under different experimental conditions, complemented by ex situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA). The potentiodynamic anodic polarization curves do not exhibit active dissolution region due to spontaneous passivation. The passivity is due to the presence of thin film of Al₂O₃ on the anode surface (in case of Al) and the formation of ZnO on the Al₂O₃ matrix, in case of the two Al-Zn alloys (as evidenced from EDXA). The passive region is followed by pitting corrosion as a result of passivity breakdown by the aggressive attack of SCN⁻ anions. SEM images confirmed the existence of pits on the electrode surface. Alloyed Zn was found to enhance pitting attack. The pitting potential (E_pit) decreases with an increase in SCN⁻ concentration and temperature, but increases with increasing potential scan rate. The current/time transients show that the incubation time for passivity breakdown decreases with increasing applied positive potential, SCN⁻ concentration, and temperature. Impedance measurements showed that Nyquist plots are characterized by a depressed charge-transfer semicircle, the diameter of which is a function of SCN⁻ concentration, applied potential, solution temperature and sample composition.