A Case Study of Thermodynamics and Electrochemical Corrosion Behaviorof Al 6061-T6

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Kanok-on Rodjanakid
Chairat Mekkaew
Chatnugrob Sangsawang
Siwakorn Sukpraserthchai
Thee Chowwannonthapunya

Abstract

Aluminum alloy 6061-T6 is now gaining interest from industries. It is known that T6 heat treatment process induced the presence of Mg2Si particles. The uniform distribution and size of these particles are responsible for the improved mechanical properties. However, the presence of these particles may also produce the local galvanic corrosion between the particles and aluminum matrix. Thus, the electrochemical corrosion behavior of this aluminum alloy is of great interest for industries, particularly marine industries. This case study provides insight in the thermodynamics corrosion of pure aluminum and then offers the preliminary study on the electrochemical corrosion of aluminum in the artificial marine solution using a polarization curve technic and an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The study shows that the passive film mainly composed of Al(OH)3 can be formed on the substrate of aluminum, enhancing the corrosion resistance in a pH range of 5.7-8.5. Polarization curve results show that the presence of chloride ions attacks the passive film, promoting the pitting corrosion. EIS results display that the destruction of passive film can lead to a significantly increased corrosion rate of aluminum 6061-T6. The calculation based on Gibbs free energy pointed out that the localized corrosion of aluminum 6061-T6 can be initiated from the electrochemical potential difference between Mg2Si particles and aluminum matrix. Mg can be dissolved, leading to the onset of the localized corrosion. 

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How to Cite
Rodjanakid, K.- on, Mekkaew, C., Sangsawang, C., Sukpraserthchai, S., & Chowwannonthapunya, T. (2024). A Case Study of Thermodynamics and Electrochemical Corrosion Behaviorof Al 6061-T6. Journal of Advanced Development in Engineering and Science, 14(40), 26–37. Retrieved from https://ph03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/pitjournal/article/view/1277
Section
Research Article

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