Search Results (7)

Conventionally used brass alloy CuZn30 shows problems with corrosion resistance in the form of dezincification when used in brass instruments. Therefore, within the scope of this investigation, a new brass alloy CuZn30 is developed in the microalloy range with corrosion-free or corrosion-inhibiting properties. First, the influence of microalloying elements on the phase composition is investigated by simulation using Thermo-Calc. On the basis of this, suitable alloying elements and contents are selected and a modified CuZn30X alloy with 0.1% phosphorus, tin, and nickel in mass fractions, respectively, is produced. The modified alloy is then investigated with regard to its mechanical and microstructural composition and its corrosion properties. The corrosion properties were examined using stress corrosion cracking tests, dezincification tests, and the recording of polarization curves. The modified alloy exhibited good cold and hot rolling properties as well as good corrosion resistance. The dezincification test confirmed the improved corrosion resistance of the modified CuZn30X alloy, which is attributed to the formation of a protective top layer due to the alloying elements. Full article

The use of high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) to deposit chromium-based thin films on brass substrates for the purpose of corrosion-protective coating was investigated. By varying the process parameters (pulse frequency, pulse width and N₂ flow rate) and structure design, including single-layer and multilayer structures, the obtained results revealed that the Cr-N films deposited through the use of HIPIMS exhibited higher film density and corrosion resistance compared to traditional direct-current magnetron sputtering. Based on the results of a field test using copper-accelerated acetic acid solution, the Cr-N film with a multilayered structure can further extend the time to corrosion onset. This is because the bottom layer in the multilayer structure can block structural defects in the layer above it, effectively reducing the penetration of corrosive agents into the substrate. The high bias voltage, coupled with increased temperature during deposition, led to a dezincification effect, resulting in the reduced adhesion of the film to the substrate and decreased overall corrosion resistance. Full article

This study investigated the micro and nanoscale structure in Cu-Zn alloy, as well as its corrosion patterns. To achieve this goal, a set of Roman orichalcum coins were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray maps, high resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (HR-FESEM-EDS) and electron microprobe analyser (EMPA) techniques. The samples showed a high degree of corrosion on their external surfaces, which evolved in depth up to ~1 mm. Micro and sub-micro imaging of the inner metal highlighted the presence of “stressed areas” caused by mechanical processing work, representing the trigger zone of corrosion and causing the loss of material. These images also permitted us to follow the grain-grain interface and selective Zn-dealloying in the examined samples. X-ray maps of Cu and Zn helped us to understand the evolution of the dezincification process, from rim to core. HR-FESEM-EDS imaging investigation highlighted a heterogeneous composition within the strain line structures, confirming that the mechanically stressed areas were active zones for corrosion processes. Cracks and voids also characterised the patina. Conversely, the uncorroded cores of the samples were not affected by dealloying. Full article

Croton lechleri, commonly known as Dragon’s blood, is a tree cultivated in the northwest Amazon rainforest of Ecuador and Peru. This tree produces a deep red latex which is composed of different natural products such as phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and others. The chemical structures of these natural products found in C. lechleri latex are promising corrosion inhibitors of admiralty brass (AB), due to the number of heteroatoms and π structures. In this work, three different extracts of C. lechleri latex were obtained, characterized phytochemically, and employed as novel green corrosion inhibitors of AB. The corrosion inhibition efficiency (IE%) was determined in an aqueous 0.5 M HCl solution by potentiodynamic polarization (Tafel plots) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, measuring current density and charge transfer resistance, respectively. In addition, surface characterization of AB was performed by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Chloroform alkaloid-rich extracts resulted in IE% of 57% at 50 ppm, attributed to the formation of a layer of organic compounds on the AB surface that hindered the dezincification process. The formulation of corrosion inhibitors from C. lechleri latex allows for the valorization of non-edible natural sources and the diversification of the offer of green corrosion inhibitors for the chemical treatment of heat exchangers. Full article

The local patterns at the interfaces of corrosion stratification, developed on two archaeometallurgical bronzes (a Cu-Sn-Pb and a Cu-Zn-Sn-Pb alloy), in the as-cast condition, were assessed by OM and SEM-EDS systematic elemental chemical analyses. Previously, the alloys—whose metallurgical features and electrochemical behaviour were already well studied—have been subjected to laboratory corrosion experiments. The corrosion procedures involved electrochemical anodic polarization experiments in various chloride media: 0.1 mol/L NaCl, 0.6 mol/L NaCl and two other synthetic chloride-containing solutions, representing electrolytes present in marine urban atmosphere and in the soil of coastal sites. The characterization of the Cu-Sn-Pb alloy electrochemical patinas after anodic sweep (OCP+ 0.6 V) revealed that the metal in all electrolytes undergoes extensive chloride attack and selective dissolution of copper which initiates from the dendritic areas acting as anodic sites. The most abundant corrosion products identified by FTIR in all electrochemical patinas were Cu₂(OH)₃Cl), Cu₂(OH)₂CO₃ and amorphous Cu and Sn oxides. The characterization of the Cu-Sn-Pb alloy electrochemical patina after slow anodic sweep (OCP+ 1.5 V) in 0.1 mol/L NaCl reveals selective oxidation of dendrites and higher decuprification rate in these areas. Corrosion products of Sn-rich interdendritic areas are dominated by oxygen species (oxides, hydroxides, hydroxyoxides) and Cu-rich dendrites by chlorides. In the case of Cu-Zn-Sn-Pb, Zn in dendritic areas is preferentially attacked. The alloy undergoes simultaneous dezincification and decuprification, with the former progressing faster, especially in dendritic areas. The two processes at the alloy/patina interface leave behind a metal surface where α-dendrites are enriched in Sn compared to the alloy matrix. The results of this study highlight the dynamic profile of corrosion layer build-up in bronze and brass. Moreover, the perception of the dealloying mechanisms progression on casting features, at mid-term corrosion stages, is extended. Full article

This study investigated the critical high-temperature deformation of the low-lead (Pb) Cu38Zn3Pb alloy. Moreover, the dezincification mechanism of this alloy for high-temperature applications was evaluated. The results reveal that tensile temperatures influence the phase structures of the brass alloy matrix. Many voids and holes formed at the phase boundaries above 400 °C due to the hard-brittle β’ phase which transformed into the softer β phase, thus causing low-strength and high-ductility values. High strain rate deformation promotes more obvious intermediate-temperature brittleness in the brass alloy. The Cu38Zn3Pb alloys display the lowest impact toughness between 400 °C and 600 °C. Long-term hot working caused dezincification in the brass alloy, thus deteriorating its ductility. The influences of thermal dezincification on the mechanical properties of the alloy must be considered during processing or heat treatment. Full article

Some α + β’ brass components of drinking water distribution systems in Morocco underwent early failures and were investigated to assess the nature and extent of the corrosion attacks. They exhibited different corrosion forms, often accompanied by extensive β’ dezincification. In order to offer viable alternatives to these traditional low cost materials, the corrosion behavior of two representative α + β’ brass components was compared to that of brass alloys with nominal compositions CuZn36Pb2As and CuZn21Si3P, marketed as dezincification resistant. CuZn21Si3P is a recently developed eco-friendly brass produced without any arsenic or lead. Electrochemical tests in simulated drinking water showed that after 10 days of immersion CuZn21Si3P exhibited the highest polarization resistance (R_p) values but after longer immersion periods its R_p values became comparable or lower than those of the other alloys. After 150 days, scanning electron microscope coupled to energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analyses evidenced that the highest dezincification resistance was afforded by CuZn36Pb2As (longitudinal section of extruded bar), exhibiting dealloying and subsequent oxidation of β’ only at a small depth. Limited surface dealloying was also found on CuZn21Si3P, which underwent selective silicon and zinc dissolution and negligible inner oxidation of both α and κ constituent phases, likely due to peculiar galvanic effects. Full article