Effect of Chloride and Copper Ions on Corrosion of 5182 Aluminum Alloy

This work aimed to study the corrosion behavior of 5182 aluminum alloy (Al-Mg), widely used in the end production of carbonated beverage cans, in the presence of corrosion catalyst ions: copper and chloride. Firstly, acidity, pH, chloride and copper ions concentration data in soft drinks were collected to define the model solutions with pH at 3.0 using citric acid. The concentration of chloride ions in the model solution ranged from zero to 1000 mg kg(-1), while the concentration of copper ranged from zero to 1000 mu g kg(-1). After contact with the de-aerated model solution, the aluminium sample was evaluated by polarization curves and by scanning electron microscopy. Once that evolving corrosion was observed in materials which had been in contact with all concentrations studied, it can be concluded that the studied level of chloride and copper in soft drinks is enough to provide a favourable medium to development of corrosion.