Cerium Dibutylphosphate as a Corrosion Inhibitor for AA2024-T3 Aluminum Alloys

• Published in: Journal of the Electrochemical Society 2006, Vol.153 (9), p.B392-B401
• Main Authors: Ho, Daniel, Brack, Narelle, Scully, John, Markley, Tracey, Forsyth, Maria, Hinton, Bruce
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0013-4651
• DOI: 10.1149/1.2217260

The suitability of cerium dibutylphosphate [Ce(dbp)3] as a corrosion inhibitor for AA2024-T3 aluminum alloy in sodium chloride aqueous solutions has been investigated. Weight loss tests combined with electrochemical assessment have been used to evaluate the degree of protection and determine the inhibition characteristics of this compound. It was found that Ce(dbp)3 offers superior protection when compared to CeCl3, with no discernable corrosion products, significant pitting, or evidence of replated copper on the surface. Cathodic polarization indicated inhibited oxygen reduction reaction kinetics consistent with reduced Cu replating. Corrosion protection seems to be enhanced at higher Cl- concentrations, suggesting the inhibiting film is more readily deposited when some corrosion takes place. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the surface confirmed the presence of both Ce(III) and Ce(IV). Focused ion beam secondary-ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) analysis clearly indicated the presence of a 500 nm thick cerium-containing Jayer on the surface of the alloy after 10 days immersion in the inhibited solution. A strong phosphorus signal was also detected in the SIMS experiment. Toxicity testing using the EC-50 test suggested that cerium dibutylphosphate is able to fulfil the basic requirements for consideration as an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor.