The electrochemistry of intermetallic particles and localized corrosion in Al alloys

Intermetallic particle electrochemistry plays significant role in localized corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking of aluminum alloys. This article presents specific examples from recent and on-going studies of stress-corrosion cracking in Al-Mg alloys and localized corrosion in Al-Cu alloys. The common approach in these examples is an explicit accounting of the intermetallic particle-dissolution characteristics, which is developed by measuring the electrochemical behavior of bulk analog compounds. Findings from these types of measurements combined with results from new and advanced small-length scale measurements confirm some of the established ideas about localized corrosion in aluminum alloys, but also lead to new insights that are important for a thorough understanding of corrosion damage accumulation. For more information, contact R.G. Buchheit, The Ohio State University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 477 Watts Hall, 2041 College Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210; (614) 292-6085; fax (614) 292-9857; e-mail buchheit.8@osu.edu.