Atomic force microscopy observations of pitting corrosion and inhibition on 7075-T651 aluminum alloy in hydrochloric acid solutions

• Published in: Materials characterization Vol. 34; no. 2; pp. 73 - 79
• Main Authors: Josefowicz, J.Y., DeLuccia, J.J., Agarwala, V.S., Farrington, G.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01-03-1995; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Corrosion; Corrosion mechanisms; Exact sciences and technology; Metals. Metallurgy; Quaternary alloys; Atomic force microscopy; Aluminium base alloys; Experimental study; Corrosion inhibitor; Surface; Hydrochloric acid; Pitting corrosion; Magnesium alloy; Aqueous solution; Chromium addition; Zinc alloy; Copper alloy
• ISSN: 1044-5803; 1873-4189
• DOI: 10.1016/1044-5803(94)00055-P

Atomic force microscopy, a unique surface imaging technique that enables the effects of an imposed environment on the substrate to be measured and assessed, was used to define the effects of a dilute aqueous hydrochloric acid solution (0.03 N) on a polished and etched surface of a peak aged aluminum-zinc-magnesium alloy (7075-T651). A multifunctional corrosion inhibitor with dichromate, nitrite, borate, and molybdate ions, especially solubilized in an organic medium, was introduced to the study and its corrosion retardation effects were observed in situ by the atomic force microscope.