Corrosion of High Purity Copper in Solutions Containing NaCl, Na2SO4 and NaHCO3 at Different Temperatures

Preliminary results showed the aggressiveness of chloride ions: the corrosion potential decreased with the ion concentration and with temperature. The current density increased both with temperature and with chloride concentration. A breakdown potential was observed under certain conditions. Corrosion products showed a composition of 30 wt% Cl and 70 wt% Cu. In sulfate containing solutions, the corrosion potential decreased with temperature but increased slightly with the ion concentration, whereas the current density increased with temperature and it was not significantly affected by the concentration. A breakdown potential was identified, which decreased with temperature and increased with sulfate concentration. In bicarbonate containing solutions, the corrosion potential decreased clearly with temperature and slightly with concentration. Different characteristics were observed in the curves: current densities were lower than in sulfate containing solutions and an anodic peak appeared under certain conditions.