Effects of alternating magnetic field on the corrosion rate and corrosion products of copper

Abstract

The effects of alternating magnetic field on the corrosion morphologies, corrosion rate, and corrosion products of copper in 3.5% NaCl solution, sea water, and magnetized sea water were investigated using electrochemical test, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive analysis system of X-ray (SEM/EDAX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the corrosion rate of copper in magnetized sea water is minimal. Moreover, the surface of the specimen in magnetized sea water is uniform and compact as compared with those in 3.5% NaCl solution and sea water. The corrosion products of copper in magnetized sea water are mainly Cu 2O and CuCl 2. However, the corrosion products in sea water are CuCl, Cu 2Cl(OH) 3, and FeCl 3·6H 2O. The electrochemical corrosion mechanisms of copper in the three media were also discussed.