In this work, the local electrochemical activity of the zones coupled by Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of an Al-Cu-Li alloy was studied and the results were correlated to the microstructural characteristics of each zone. Electrochemical studies were carried out in the zones affected by welding using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and scanning electrochemical techniques (namely, SECM - Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy and LEIS - Local electrochemical impedance spectroscopy). The results showed that the welding joint (WJ) is predominantly cathodic relatively to the heat affected zones (HAZ). The HAZ was always anodic and showed the highest electrochemical activities among the tested ones. The high electrochemical activity of the HAZ was associated with the effect of galvanic coupling between the cathodic region (WJ) and the anodic region (HAZ). In addition, the advancing side (AS) presented increased electrochemical activity compared to the retreating one (RS).

In this study, the corrosion mechanism of an Al-Cu-Li alloy manufactured by two different treatment routes (T3 and T851) was evaluated by immersion and electrochemical tests in solutions containing chloride ions (Cl-). For both alloys, the formation of cavities on the surface was associated with micrometer-sized intermetallics (IM’s), however, in addition to this attack, the alloy submitted to T851 treatment also presented an attack called severe localized corrosion (SLC), caused by the preferential attack to the nanometric T1 (Al2CuLi) phase. The electrochemical concepts involved in these two types of attacks were discussed. During the IM’s corrosive process, whereas the O2 reduction occurred over the IM’s, the Al dissolution is favored around the particle, forming trenching and cavities (with 2 and 6 μm of depth). On the other hand, the mechanism associated with the SLC is related to the formation of a differential aeration cell followed by the evolution of H2, with greater depth of attack penetration (8 and 35 μm). Additionally, by the use of the Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique (SVET), it was concluded that the higher anodic currents observed for the T851 temper were related to the relation between the anodic area (Aa) and the cathodic area (Ac).

Abstract Aluminum alloys are the state-of-art materials for structural components of aircrafts. As they are susceptible to localized corrosion, this kind of damage can become a major threat for its safe use in aircraft components. Therefore, surface protection of aluminum alloys against corrosion is a core issue in these applications. In this work, an alternative eco-friendly cerium-based surface pretreatment was developed and applied on the AA1230 clad of the AA2024-T3 alloy for corrosion protection. The corrosion resistance evaluation of this modified surface was evaluated by several techniques. The results were compared to chromium based conventional treatments and revealed that the coating layer, composed of spherical nodular nanostructures of cerium, obtained with the proposed eco-friendly treatment, improved the corrosion resistance of the alloy. Moreover, it was comparable to the corrosion behavior of chromate-treated alloy, showing that this treatment is a promising alternative to replace chromate based surface treatments.

THE ANODIZING PROCESS OF ALUMINUM AND ITS ALLOYS: A HISTORICAL AND ELECTROCHEMICAL APPROACH. Al and its alloys are found in several industrial applications. However, like most metals, this material is not immune to corrosion, being necessary to be protected against corrosion. One of the methods most commonly employed to improve the corrosion resistance of Al alloys is the anodizing process, which consists of thickening of the natural oxide (Al2O3) presents in Al through anodic oxidation. The anodizing process is accomplished by immersion of the Al alloy into an acid bath and passing an electric current through it. This process produces two layers: a barrier layer thicker than the natural oxide and a layer with regular arrangement of nanopores (porous layer). This duplex structure forms the anodized layer with a large specific surface area. With the advent of nanotechnology, this layer has been applied in other areas due to its low cost, stability, absence of toxicity, and biocompatibility. In this context, this paper addresses a historical and electrochemical review of the anodizing process of Al and its alloys, presenting the main events that culminated in the development of the current processes and the understanding of the relationship between the chemical reactions and the mechanisms that occur during nucleation and development of the oxide layer.

Corrosion is still one of the most serious and frequent problems in industries. The phenomena involved in the corrosion mechanism of Al-alloys may be explained by formation of galvanic cells between the metal matrix and heterogeneities, such as precipitates, intermetallic phases leading to potential differences and electrochemical reactions. In the cathodic sites, the main reactions are oxygen reduction reaction, in aerated neutral environments, and hydrogen evolution in acid media. This last type of reaction might also occur in neutral solutions inside pits (anodic region). In this study, the mechanism of hydrogen evolution during corrosion of the 2198-T8 Al-Cu-Li alloy exposed in a chloride solution was investigated. The mechanism was related to the presence of T1 phase (Al2CuLi), which is the main strengthening phase in this material. This phase is highly active and, when exposed to corrosive media, leads to severe localized corrosion (SLC). One of the main characteristics related to SLC is hydrogen gas evolution which was confirmed by gel visualization. In this study, the hydrogen evolution mechanism inside the SLC sites was studied by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM).

In the present work, the microstructure, electrochemical behavior and localized corrosion of the AA2198-T851 Al-Cu-Li alloy were studied. The microstructure was correlated with corrosion results obtained by immersion, gel visualization and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) tests. Immersion and gel visualization tests showed high kinetics of corrosion attack during the first hours of immersion. SECM analyzes by means of surface generation/tip collection (SG/TC) mode detected hydrogen evolution generated during spontaneous corrosion from severe localized corrosion (SLC) sites on the metal surface. SECM results revealed sites of intense hydrogen evolution after 2 h of immersion and increased amounts of corrosion products after 4 h of immersion. Hydrogen evolution sites detected by SECM were associated with severe localized corrosion (SLC).

Carmakers must achieve the worldwide targets for lightweight materials, safety and reducing the fuel consumption. The use of press-hardened steel (PHS), in vehicle structures has been contributing with these requirements. This type of steel is widely used for the hot-stamping which consists in heating the steel blank to total austenitization temperature and then transferring it from the furnace into the die tool where the steel is formed and quenched at the same time. PHS is usually protect with metallic coatings in order to avoid both steel oxidation and decarburization. Hot-dip Al-Si coating is currently the main used in this application. However, alternative coatings, like zinc-based, are under investigation. This work aims at evaluating the corrosion resistance of the 22MnB5 grade PHS, electroplated with Zn-Ni, before and after hot stamping, using the scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET). Results from SVET showed that samples prior to hot stamping, the corrosion mechanism was uniform over the exposed surface, and was mainly related to selective dissolution of zinc from the coating. On the other hand, hot stamped samples showed localized corrosion mechanism with decrease in current with time of immersion due to the formation of corrosion products on the exposed surface.

In this study, the corrosion protection provided by films of self-assembled molecules on the AA 2024-T3 aluminum alloy has been evaluated by electrochemical and non electrochemical techniques. The film was obtained by immersion of this alloy samples in a solution of 90 mg L-1 alkane-diphosphonate at 50 °C for 5 minutes. Chromating conversion treatment with trivalent or hexavalent chromium was carried out by immersion of AA 2024-T3 alloy samples for 2 minutes in a 20% (v/v) solution of 650 Chromical TCP (SurTec) at 40 °C. Electrochemical characterization was performed by measurements of the open circuit potential (OCP), potentiodynamic polarization curves (PPC) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in a solution of 0.5 mol L-1 sodium sulfate buffered with a solution of biphthalate potassium (0.1 mol L-1) and sodium hydroxide (0.1 mol L-1) as the electrolyte. SAM films obtained were analysed by infrared spectroscopy and SAM was found in surface. Surface observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the trivalent chromium layers ere deposited on metal surface. The results show that the surface treatment with self-assembled molecules provides protection against corrosion of the AA 2024-T3 aluminum alloy.

O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar o efeito da deformação a frio nas propriedades eletrônicas do filme passivo sobre o aço inoxidável austenítico ISO NBR 5832-1 e sua resistência à corrosão por pite. O aço testado foi laminado a frio até ocorrer a redução de espessura do mesmo para 50% da sua espessura inicial. As propriedades eletrônicas do filme passivo sobre este material foram avaliadas e comparadas com a do mesmo material como recebido, ou seja, sem deformação a frio. As propriedades eletrônicas do filme passivo foram caracterizadas pelo método de Mott-Schottky e a resistência à corrosão por pite, por curvas de polarização. O efeito da frequência adotada na análise de Mott-Schottky foi também investigado. Os resultados mostraram que o material deformado apresentou maior concentração de dopantes e maior suscetibilidade à corrosão por pite em comparação ao material sem deformação.

The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of cold deformation on the electronic properties of the passive film on the ISO NBR 5832-1 austenitic stainless steel and its pitting resistance. The tested stainless steel was cold rolled to 50% of its initial thickness and the electronic properties of the passive film on this material were evaluated and compared with that of the same material as received, that is, without cold deformation. The electronic properties of the passive film were characterized by the Mott-Schottky approach and the pitting resistance by polarization curves. The effect of the frequency adopted in the Mott-Schottky analysis was also investigated. The results showed that the deformed material presented higher concentration of dopants, and higher pitting susceptibility compared with the material without deformation.

As moléculas auto-organizáveis (SAM - Self Assembly Monolayer) são inibidoras de corrosão, devido à capacidade de se organizarem sobre superfícies formando filmes finos. A SAM apresenta elevada afinidade pelo óxido formado sobre o alumínio, porém as interações entre a camada de óxido e as SAM nem sempre são satisfatórias, pois o óxido formado na superfície apresenta heterogeneidades, que interferem na formação do filme de SAM. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar a proteção à corrosão do alumínio AA 2024-T3 associada ao SAM, após tratamento com desengraxante alcalino. A caracterização eletroquímica foi realizada por espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica e polarização potenciodinâmica anódica em meio de Na2SO4 0,5 mol. L-1 em pH 4,0. A morfologia superficial foi investigada por microscopia óptica. Os resultados mostraram que as SAM promoveram maior proteção do alumínio, quando este foi pré-tratado com o desengraxante.

Self-assembly molecules (SAM - Self Assembly Monolayer) are corrosion inhibitors, due to their capacity to organize on surfaces, forming thin films. SAM presents a high affinity to aluminum oxide. However, the interactions between the oxide layer and SAM are not always satisfactory; therefore the oxide formed on the surface presents heterogeneities that hinder SAM film formation. The aim of this work was to study the corrosion protection of aluminum AA 2024-T3 associated with SAM, after treatment with alkaline degreasing. The electrochemical characterization was carried out by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and anodic potentiodynamic polarization in Na2SO4 0,5 mol.L-1 in pH 4,0. The superficial morphology was investigated by optic microscopy. The results showed that SAM promoted greater aluminum protection when this was pretreated with degreasing.

O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar o comportamento de corrosão de ímãs Nd-Fe-B produzidos por metalurgia do pó e avaliar a proteção conferida por dois diferentes tratamentos de superfície: uma camada de conversão de fosfato e um silano não-funcional. Os ensaios eletroquímicos foram realizados em solução tampão de fosfato (PBS) com pH neutro, em que a concentração iônica coincide com a do corpo humano. A corrosão foi monitorada por meio de espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica (EIS), curvas de polarização anódica, e as análises de MEV-EDS foram utilizadas para observar a superfície e controlar a deposição do revestimento. A resposta de EIS evidenciou um comportamento de eletrodo poroso para os ímãs Nd-Fe-B de acordo com a teoria de Levie. Os resultados também indicaram um bom desempenho da camada de fosfato, enquanto o silano não funcional não melhorou a resistência à corrosão dos ímãs. O bom desempenho anti-corrosão da camada de fosfato foi explicada com base na formação de uma camada de fosfato insolúvel tanto na superfície do eletrodo quanto nas paredes dos poros. A precipitação de fosfato de Nd insolúvel sobre a fase rica em Nd também contribui para a proteção contra a corrosão oferecida por este revestimento.

The aim of this work is to investigate the corrosion behavior of powder metallurgy produced Nd-Fe-B magnets and to evaluate the corrosion protection afforded by two different surface treatments: a phosphate conversion and a non-functional silane (BTSE) layer. The electrochemical tests were performed in a phosphate buffered solution (PBS) at neutral pH, which ionic concentration coincides with that of the human body. The corrosion behavior was monitored by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and anodic potentiodynamic polarization curves, and SEM-EDS analyses were used to monitor coating deposition. EIS response has evidenced a porous electrode behavior for the Nd-Fe-B magnets according to the de Levie theory. The results also indicated a good performance of the phosphate layer, whereas the BTSE layer did not improve the corrosion resistance of the magnets. The good anticorrosion performance of the phosphate layer was explained on the basis of the formation of an insoluble phosphate layer both on the electrode surface (identified by interference colors) and on the pore walls. Precipitation of insoluble Nd phosphate on the Nd-rich phase also contributes to the superior corrosion protection afforded by this coating.

Austenitic stainless steels, titanium and cobalt alloys are widely used as biomaterials. However, new medical devices require innovative materials with specific properties, depending on their application. The magnetic properties are among the properties of interest for some biomedical applications. However, due to the interaction of magnetic materials with Magnetic Resonance Image equipments they might used only as not fixed implants or for medical devices. The ferromagnetic superalloys, Incoloy MA 956 and PM 2000, produced by mechanical alloying, have similar chemical composition, high corrosion resistance and are used in high temperature applications. In this study, the corrosion resistance of these two ferritic superalloys was compared in a phosphate buffer solution. The electrochemical results showed that both superalloys are passive in this solution and the PM 2000 present a more protective passive film on it associated to higher impedances than the MA 956.

The effect of potentiostatic polarisation on the electrochemical behavior of the Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarisation curves in Hanks' solution at 37 °C. Potentiodynamic polarisation curves show a passive behavior with a slight current increase as potentials around 1300 mV(SCE). Based on these curves, different potentials were chosen to perform potentiostatic EIS experiments. EIS experimental data were interpreted using different equivalent circuits associated with the duplex nature of the oxide layer. The fitting procedure evidenced the thickening of a defective oxide layer with the applied potentials, corresponding to key points in the potentiodynamic polarisation curves.

Titanium alloys are largely used for biomedical applications mainly due to their high corrosion resistance resulting from the protective oxide film formed on their surface. The literature, however, has pointed out discrepancies between in vitro tests and in vivo tests. These discrepancies have been ascribed to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generated by inflammatory reactions. In this investigation the electrochemical behaviour of a Ti-13Nb-13Zr alloy, which was developed as material for implants, has been evaluated in Hanks' solution, with and without H2O2. The evolution of the electrochemical behavior was monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the results were fitted to an equivalent circuit that simulates an oxide film as a duplex layer structure composed of an inner barrier layer and an outer porous layer. In the solution without H2O2, the oxide film was very stable during the whole test period. On the other hand, in the solution with H2O2, the EIS results varied significantly, indicating a progressive decrease in the barrier layer resistance until 35 days which was followed by the restoration of the barrier layer protective characteristics against corrosion, either due to its growth or to its self-healing after partial consumption of the oxidant agent. The oxide film formed on the Ti alloy samples after 125 days of immersion in Hanks' solution, either with or without H2O2 was analyzed by XPS. The XPS results revealed the presence of TiO and TiO2 on the samples immersed in the two electrolytes, however, Ti2O3 was only found on the samples exposed to the H2O2 containing solution.