Influence of SiC particles addition on the corrosion behavior of 2014 Al-Cu alloy in 3.5% NaCl solution

The influence of silicon carbide particles (SiC(p)) addition on the corrosion behavior of Al-Cu alloy (2014) was evaluated in 3.5% NaCl solution at 30 degrees C using microstrucural and electrochemical measurements. Addition of 10 wt.% SiC(p) to the base alloy is found to increase its corrosion resistance considerably. Incorporation of SiC(p) beyond this proportion leads to an increase in corrosion rate of the synthesized composites. Addition of 25 wt.% SiC(p) to base alloy decreases corrosion resistances considerably. Microstructural studies reveal the agglomeration of SiC particles in the composites. This results an increase of corrosion reaction with the increase of SiC particles in the composites. EIS measurement indicates the occurrence of adsorption/diffusion phenomena at the interfaces of the composites that ultimately initiate the localized or pitting corrosion. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.