Investigation of molybdate-benzotriazole surface treatment against copper tarnishing

摘要

The synergistic effect of benzotriazole (BTAH) and molybdate on the inhibition of copper tarnish was studied in this paper. The antitarnish treatment of copper was conducted with BTAH solution containing molybdate. The surface morphology observation and composition analysis were investigated by SEM with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The addition of molybdate improved the protection of BTAH significantly. The BTAH + molybdate treated copper specimen has higher N concentration in its surface. The structure of the protective film was studied by XPS and AES measurements. It was characterized to be a complex of Cu(I)BTA. The antitarnish effect is certified by the formation of the protective Cu(I)BTA film. Molybdate does not participate in the formation of the protective film. The presence of molybdate promotes the passivation of copper. This facilitates the stabilization of the cuprous oxide film, and strengthens the adsorption of BTAH.