Behaviour of the alloy AA2017 in aqueous solutions of NaCl. Part I: Corrosion mechanisms

This paper reports a study carried out on the morphological characteristics the Al–Cu alloy AA2017-T3; its behaviour against corrosion in aqueous solutions of NaCl 0.59 M has been evaluated by immersion during 0–48 h. The techniques employed for this study are SEM and EDS. The results obtained have been verified by electrochemical assays based on monitoring the corrosion potential of the system in OCP, LP and EIS. The behaviour of the intermetallics present in the matrix of the alloy suggests that the design of an effective system of protection should involve the use of cathodic inhibitors.