Analyzing corrosion on a surface
Analyzing corrosion on a surface
(OP)
What in your opinion would be the best test to determine the source of corrosion on a part.
My initial thoughts are
1) Determine the type of metal that the products is constructed of, from this there should be a database of chemicals that corrode it.
2) Analyze the deposits on the surface by SEM/EDS, perhaps this will give some clue as to the nature of the corrosion and thus the corrosive agent.
I would appreciate any suggestions on this you might have.
My initial thoughts are
1) Determine the type of metal that the products is constructed of, from this there should be a database of chemicals that corrode it.
2) Analyze the deposits on the surface by SEM/EDS, perhaps this will give some clue as to the nature of the corrosion and thus the corrosive agent.
I would appreciate any suggestions on this you might have.





RE: Analyzing corrosion on a surface
If the results aren't as one would predict then either the metal isn't as it should be or the environment was different than expected.
RE: Analyzing corrosion on a surface
RE: Analyzing corrosion on a surface
Also, newer techniques such as AFM (atomic force microscopy) and STM (scanning tunneling microscopy), can be used to study corrosion in situ, e.g.,
'Mechanistic Studies of the Corrosion of 2024 Aluminum Alloy in Nitrate Solutions,' J. Electrochem. Soc., Vol. 150, No. 8, pp. B396-B404 (August 2003).
"...local dissolution of the matrix has been found to occur around the Cu- and Mg-rich particles and has been quantified by using atomic force microscopy. Secondary ion mass spectroscopy and ultraviolet spectroscopy helped elucidate the mechanism of dissolution of the intermetallics."
Always good to experimentally replicate observed results.
RE: Analyzing corrosion on a surface