Review of micro-scale and atomic-scale corrosion mechanisms of second phases in aluminum alloys

Abstract

Localized corrosion of aluminum (Al) alloys, such as pitting corrosion, intergranular corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking is closely related to the micro-galvanic corrosion between the second phase and the Al matrix. Using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and first principles calculations, the factors that affect corrosion mechanisms of the second phase in Al alloys at micro-scale and atomic-scale were examined, including the composition and structure of second phase, pH of the environment, stress and adsorption behavior of adsorbates (such as Cl−, H2O, OH− and O2−).