Stability of Some Copper Ternary Alloys in Chloride Solutions Polluted by Sulfide Ions

Abstract

The electrochemical performance of three copper alloys was investigated in simulated marine solution polluted by sulfide ions. Polarization techniques and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, EIS, were used. Surface examination and morphological studies were employed. The results showed that the Cu-10Ni-10Zn alloy is more stable than the other two alloys. The alloy surface was covered by a barrier layer protecting it from corrosion. The thickness and resistance of the barrier layer formed on the Cu-10Ni-10Zn alloy increases with the increase of the immersion time. The mechanism of the corrosion process and the barrier film formation was discussed.  A comparison was made between the electrochemical stability of the three alloys in sulfide polluted chloride solution. The incorporation of Ni in the Cu₂O barrier film leads to its stabilization and the stability is enhanced by the presence of Zn. The results leads to the recommendation of the Cu-10Ni-10Zn alloy for applications in sulfide polluted marine environments.

Keywords:  Copper alloys, EIS, Polarization, SEM, Passive Films.