The Effect of Some Key Changes in the Chemistry of Water in Relation to Copper and Brass Corrosion Control

摘要

Corrosion means the degradation of the metals or their alloys, under the action of chemical or electrochemical agents from the environment. The complex corrosion phenomenon has a destructive action, generating undesirable economic consequences: metals and labor losses, appreciable reduction in the lifetime of various metal constructions, insecurity in the operation of industrial machinery. Under the current conditions of accelerated growth in the production of material goods, one of the most important issues is the economy of raw materials and materials, energy and labor force. Copper, having a purity of over 99%, is used in the manufacture of gas and water pipes, roofing materials, utensils and ornamental objects. Brass is used in the manufacture of flexible tubes, pipes, coils, cartridges, various electrochemical parts, jewelry, etc. The aim of this research work was to evaluate the corrosion resistance of copper and brass in various solutions: with different chloride ions as 35 g/L NaCl, waste water and tap water. The corrosion behavior of copper and brass was analyzed by electrochemical methods, such as: open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (E1S) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Pure copper exhibits more noble potential values than its alloy (brass), according to the evolution of free potential in all tested solutions. After performing the electrochemical assays, ex-situ investigations, by optical microscopy, were made and the results confirm that the chloride ions affect the corrosion behavior of copper and brass. Corrosion of materials is a very important process to consider when choosing a material that has to operate in a specific environment.