It is well known that aluminum will corrode faster in sea water than in fresh water. The mechanism of how sea water accelerates aluminum corrosion is not understood, and little research has been completed on the kinetics of the reaction. In my research group, we have developed a model system for studying the kinetics of reaction using a relatively low-technology approach, accessible to (and completed by) both high school and undergradaute students. We have married this to a high-tech study of the surface characteristics of aluminum during corrosion over time, using the Brookhaven National Laboratory NSLS X26A beam line, and SEM-EDS characterization of samples. Undergraduate students have had hands-on access to both the NSLS measurement process and use of the SEM-EDS. Chloride and bromide accelerate aluminum corrosion over 100-fold compared to sulfate. It appears that halide deposition at a corroding site occirs before evidence of corrosion. This lends credence to our proposal that halides accelerate aluminum corrosion through preferential removal of the protective oxide layer.

Understanding aluminum corrosion at the molecular level: Low-tech and high-tech approaches

251st National Meeting (2016)

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