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Galvanic interactions of aluminium 3004 and ∝ brass in tropical marine atmosphere

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Abstract

The galvanic corrosion behaviour of aluminium 3004 - ∝ brass with different area ratios was studied in the tropical marine atmosphere at Tuticorin harbour over a period of 426 days. The area ratios, viz. A Aluminium:A ∝ brass, studied were 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8. The galvanic corrosion behaviour of the metals was studied in terms of the relative increase in the corrosion rate of aluminium due to galvanic coupling with ∝ brass, the relative decrease in the corrosion rate of ∝ brass due to galvanic coupling with aluminium, and the susceptibility of aluminium to pitting owing to galvanic coupling with ∝ brass. The galvanic potential and galvanic current of the system were monitored. Pits of different dimensions ranging from mild etchings to perforations were experienced on the borders and the surfaces of the interface of aluminium in contact with ∝ brass. The corrosion products resulting from galvanic corrosion were analysed using XRD and the pitting on aluminium as a result of galvanic corrosion was highlighted in terms of pit depth, size and density of pit, using a high resolution microscope. The most favourable area ratio of aluminium — ∝ brass in marine atmosphere in terms of gravimetric corrosion rate is 8:1 and the most unfavourable area ratio of aluminium — ∝ brass is 1:4.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, 630006, India

    S. Palraj

  2. Offshore Platform & Marine Electrochemistry Centre, CSIR-CECRI Unit, Harbour Area, Tuticorin, 628004, India

    G. Subramanian & S. Palanichamy

Authors
  1. S. Palraj
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  2. G. Subramanian
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  3. S. Palanichamy
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to G. Subramanian.

Additional information

Foundation item: Supported by the CSIR-CECRI under project No. MLP 0008.

S. Palraj is currently holding the post of Principal Technical officer at CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi. He has a PhD in Chemistry and has been working in the field of Corrosion Testing & Evaluation for the last 31 years. Presently he is involved in the development of antifouling coatings. Besides well cited publications, he has eight Indian patents and one US patent to his credit. Further he has developed 4 processes and commercialized them.

G. Subramanian is currently holding the post of Senior Principal Scientist and Head of OPMEC, CECRI Unit, Tuticorin. He has a PhD in Marine Sciences and his research since 1983 has focused on a range of topics including atmospheric corrosion, evaluation of paints and coatings, marine biofouling prevention and corrosion in seawater. Besides well cited publications, he has seven Indian patents and one US patent to his credit. He has also commercialized a process.

S. Palanichamy, senior scientist, holds a PhD degree in marine sciences at CSIR-CECRI, Tuticorin. He was instrumental in establishing a strong database on chemical oceanographic features of coastal ocean waters, including the Tuticorin and Mandapam regions. Simultaneously he also investigated the effects of water chemistry and local pollution on corrosion and biofouling phenomena. Currently he is developing antifouling formulations from marine natural products.

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Palraj, S., Subramanian, G. & Palanichamy, S. Galvanic interactions of aluminium 3004 and ∝ brass in tropical marine atmosphere. J. Marine. Sci. Appl. 13, 455–461 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11804-014-1274-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11804-014-1274-6

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