Surface characterization of a corroded bronze-leaded alloy in a salt spray cabinet

The corrosion products of a TM 23 bronze-leaded alloy (Cu 72%, Pb 15%, Zn 8% and Sn 5%) were obtained in a salt spray cabinet after exposition during 120 h and 1000 h. The products obtained were studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The major products of bronze-leaded corrosion were oxides and basic salts of Cu, CuCl2·3Cu(OH)2, and Pb, Pb(OH)Cl. The results can be attributed to a kinetic control of the corrosion reactions.