Copper corrosion in potable water distribution systems: influence of copper products on the corrosion behavior

The aim of this work is to assess the performance of different corrosion products as an effective copper corrosion protection in synthetic tap water. The major objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of copper oxide film and naturally formed heterogeneous corrosion products under the influence of synthetic tap water. The influence of copper products on the corrosion behavior in neutral synthetic tap water was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The EIS plot was changed from two time constants to three time constants due to the enrichment of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) on the copper surface. Copper experienced only uniform corrosion. As the protective oxide film thickened, it did not separate from the copper surface.