Corrosion inhibition of 7000 series aluminium alloys with cerium diphenyl phosphate

Cerium diphenyl phosphate (Ce(dpp)3) has previously been shown to be a strong corrosion inhibitor for aluminium–copper magnesium alloy AA2024-T3 and AA7075 in chloride solutions. Surface characterisation including SEM and ToF-SIMS coupled with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements are used to propose a mechanism of corrosion inhibition which appears to involve the formation of a complex oxide film of aluminium and cerium also incorporating the organophosphate component. The formation of a thin complex film consisting of hydrolysis products of the Ce(dpp)3 compound and aluminium oxide is proposed to lead to the observed inhibition. SEM analysis shows that some intermetallics favour the creation of thicker deposits predominantly containing cerium oxide compounds.

Graphical abstractScanning electron micrographs of microtomed surface shows pristine surface free of corrosion related ‘mud cracking’ inset for an inhibited AA7050 specimen when only 150 ppm Ce(dpp)3 is present in 0.1 M NaCl solution.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ The thin film of hydrolysis products of Ce(dpp)3 and aluminium oxide is proposed to cause the inhibition. ▶ The film consists of discrete Ce rich particles and a thin film over the matrix of Ce, P and Al oxides. ▶ Discrete deposition of Ce is specifically influenced by Cu rich intermetallics.