Corrosion of marine grade aluminium alloys in tropical natural seawater

M. Vargas, K. Kannoorpatti

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Paper published in Proceedingspeer-review

    Abstract

    This study discusses the corrosion behaviour of AA5083-H321 (Al-Mg) and metal inert gas (MIG) welded AA5083 in natural seawater from Darwin Harbour. These alloys are a common choice for the construction of marine structures and vessels due to their high corrosion resistance and weldability. Total immersion tests for a period of up to 68 days show low corrosion rates for AA5083 and MIG welded AA5083, although significantly higher than literature values. Monitoring of free corrosion potentials (Ecorr) for a period of up to 32 days indicates a more electrochemically active AA5083, which is in agreement with increased weight loss in this alloy than in the welded condition. Also, there is a significant effect of the specimen's surface condition, with a lower incidence of corrosion in specimens that retained their original passive layer as compared to polished material. Potentiodynamic polarisations evidenced a semi-passive behaviour of AA5083, and severe localised attack in MIG welded AA5083, with major pitting nucleation at the intermetallic particles.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationAnnual Conference of the Australasian Corrosion Association 2013: Corrosion and Prevention 2013
    Place of PublicationKerrimuir, Australia
    PublisherAustralasian Corrosion Association
    Pages266-275
    Number of pages10
    Volume1
    Edition1
    ISBN (Electronic)9781634394369
    ISBN (Print)978-1-63439-436-9
    Publication statusPublished - 2013
    EventCorrosion and Prevention: Annual Conference of the Australasian Corrosion Association (ACA 2013) - Brisbane, Australia, Brisbane, Australia
    Duration: 1 Jan 201313 Nov 2013
    Conference number: 2013

    Conference

    ConferenceCorrosion and Prevention
    Abbreviated titleACA
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CityBrisbane
    Period1/01/1313/11/13

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