The attack initiation of Al-Zn-In-Sn anode by the segregation concentrating Zn, Sn and In

The microstructure of Al-5%Zn-0.025%In-0.15%Sn anode was investigated by EPMA, and EDAX. The result showed that the microstructure at the Al-Zn-In-Sn anode can be categorized into two different types, namely the catenulate segregation enriched in Zn, Fe, Si, and the elliptical or rounded segregation where Zn, Sn, In concentrated. In order to explain the initial dissolution of the aluminum anode, the electrochemical behavior in 3% NaCl solution of the Al-Zn-In-Sn anode and its simulated segregation concentrating Zn, Sn, In were tested using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The result showed that the simulated segregation concentrating Zn, Sn, In would preferentially be dissolved into the solution as the anode of galvanic cell.