AL-AZHAR UNIVERSITY OF GAZA

Corrosion and corrosion inhibition of

Aluminum and Aluminum alloys in acid
medium

:
20130288:
2015-2014:

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Contents
1-Introduction about Aluminum: ............................................................................................................................. - 4 1.1-Key Characteristics of Aluminum: .................................................................................................................... - 5 Low Density ........................................................................................................................................................ - 6 Strength. ............................................................................................................................................................... - 7 High Strength-to-Weight Ratio. ........................................................................................................................... - 7 Corrosion Resistance............................................................................................................................................ - 7 The high thermal conductivity of aluminum ........................................................................................................ - 8 High Electrical Conductivity ............................................................................................................................... - 8 Reflectivity. .......................................................................................................................................................... - 8 Non-toxic Characteristic. ..................................................................................................................................... - 8 Finishability. ........................................................................................................................................................ - 9 1.2-Aluminum Alloys: ............................................................................................................................................. - 9 Classifications and Designations: ............................................................................................................................ - 9 Wrought Alloy Families: ....................................................................................................................................... - 10 1.3-Effects of Alloying Additions:......................................................................................................................... - 11 2-Corrosion in Acid Solutions : ............................................................................................................................. - 13 2.1-Corrosion of Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys: ........................................................................................... - 13 2.1-Localized Corrosion: ....................................................................................................................................... - 14 2.1.1-Environmentally Influenced Corrosion: ................................................................................................... - 15 2.1.1.1 Pitting Corrosion ................................................................................................................................ - 15 2.1.1.2 Crevice Corrosion : ............................................................................................................................ - 18 2.1.1.3 Filiform Corrosion : ........................................................................................................................... - 20 2.1.1.4 Biological Corrosion: ......................................................................................................................... - 21 2.1.2 Metallurgically Influenced Corrosion: ...................................................................................................... - 22 2.1.2.1Galvanic Corrosion : ........................................................................................................................... - 22 2.1.2.2 Intergranular Corrosion :.................................................................................................................... - 24 2.1.3 Mechanically Assisted Degradation:......................................................................................................... - 24 2.1.3.1 Erosion ............................................................................................................................................... - 24 2.1.3.2 Fretting Corrosion .............................................................................................................................. - 25 2.1.3.3 Corrosion Fatigue............................................................................................................................... - 25 2.1.4 Environmentally Induced Cracking: ......................................................................................................... - 26 2.1.4.2 Hydrogen Embrittlement :.................................................................................................................. - 27 3- Corrosion Prevention: ........................................................................................................................................ - 27 -

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3.1 Alloy and Temper Selection : ...................................................................................................................... - 28 3.2 Design of Equipment ................................................................................................................................... - 28 3.3- Organic Coating[][]: ................................................................................................................................... - 29 3.3.1 Surface Preparation : ................................................................................................................................. - 30 3.4- Inhibitors : ................................................................................................................................................... - 31 3.4.1 Inhibitors in acid medium: .................................................................................................................... - 33 corrosion inhibition of aluminium by different type of inhibitors ................................................................. - 33 3.4.1.1- 3-alkyloxy aniline sodium sulfonate monomeric surfactants. ......................................................... - 37 3.4.1.2 Different Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum. ................................................................................... - 38 3.4.1.3- Euphorbia hirta extract..................................................................................................................... - 39 3.4.1.4- black mulberry. ............................................................................................................................... - 39 3.4.1.5- Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract . ............................................................................................. - 40 3.4.1.5- extract of Garlic. ............................................................................................................................... - 40 3.4.1.6- anionic polyeletrolyte pectates (PEC).............................................................................................. - 41 -

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1-Introduction about Aluminum1:

Aluminum became an economic competitor in engineering applications toward the end
of the 19th century. The reason aluminum was not used earlier was the difficulty of
extracting it from its ore. When the electrolytic reduction of aluminum oxide (Al2O3)
dissolved in molten cryolite was independently developed by Charles Martin Hall in the
United States and Paul T.Heroult in France, the aluminum industry was born.
The emergence of three important industrial developments in the late1800s and early
1900s would, by demanding material characteristics consistent with the unique qualities of
aluminum and its alloys, greatly benefit growth in the production and use of the new
metal. The first of these was the introduction of the first internal-combustion-enginepowered vehicles. Aluminum would play a role as an automotive material of increasing
engineering value. Secondly, electrification would require immense quantities of
lightweight conductive metal for long-distance transmission and for construction of the
towers needed to support the overhead network of cables that deliver electrical energy
from sites of power generation.
Within a few decades ,a third important application area was made possible by the
invention of the airplane by the Wright brothers. This gave birth to an entirely new
industry which grew in partnership with the aluminum industry development of
structurally reliable, strong, and fracture-resistant parts for airframes, engines, and
ultimately, for missile bodies, fuel cells, and satellite components. However, .the
aluminum industry growth was not limited to these developments. The first commercial
applications of aluminum were novelty items such as mirror frames ,house(address)
numbers, and serving trays. Cooking utensils were also a major early market.
In time, aluminum applications grew in diversity to the extent that virtually every aspect
of modern life would be directly or indirectly affected by use. Today, aluminum is
surpassed only by steel in its use as a structural material.

J. R. Davis ;Corrosion of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys;ASM international 1999 pp1-13

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1.1-Key Characteristics of Aluminum:

Aluminum offers a wide range of properties that can Be engineered precisely to the
demands of specific applications through the choice of alloy, temper, and fabrication
process. The properties of aluminum and its alloys which give rise to their wide spread
usage include the following:
Aluminum is light; its density is only one-third that Of steel.
Aluminum and aluminum alloys are available in a wide range of strength values-from
highly ductile low-strength commercially pure aluminum to very tough high-strength
alloys with ultimate tensile Strengths approaching690 MPa (100 ksi).
Aluminum alloys have a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Aluminum retains its strength at low temperatures and is often used for cryogenic
applications.
Aluminum has high resistance to corrosion under the majority of service conditions ,and
no colored salts are formed to stain adjacent surfaces or discolor products with which it
comes into contact.
Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity .
Aluminum is highly reflective.
Aluminum is non-ferromagnetic, a property of importance in the electrical and
electronics industries.
Aluminum is non -pyrophoric, which is important in applications involving inflammable
or explosive materials handling or exposure.
Aluminum is nontoxic and is routinely used in containers for food and beverages.
Aluminum has an attractive appearance in its natural finish, which can be soft and lustrous
or bright and shiny .It can be virtually any color or texture.
Aluminum is recyclable. Aluminum has substantial scrap value and a well established
market for recycling, providing both economic and environmental benefits.
Aluminum is easily fabricated. Aluminum can be formed and fabricated by all common
metalworking and joining methods.
Table1 lists the important physical properties of pure aluminum.

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Table2 shows the characteristics of aluminum and their importance for different end uses.
Low Density .
Aluminum has a density of only 2.7g/cm3 , approximately35% that of steel (7.83g/cm3)
and 30% of copper (8.93g/cm3) or brass (8.53g/cm3).
One cubic foot of steel weighs about 222kg ;a cubic foot of aluminum weighs only
about77kg.

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Strength.
Commercially pure aluminum has a tensile strength of about90 MPa .
Thus its usefulness as a structural material in this form is somewhat limited by working
the metal, as by cold rolling, its strength can be approximately doubled. Much larger
increases in strength can be obtained by alloying aluminum with small percentages of one
or more other elements such as manganese ,silicon, copper, magnesium, or zinc. Like pure
aluminum ,the alloys are also made stronger by cold working. Some of the alloys are
further strengthened and hardened by heat treatments.
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio.
The strength to-weight ratio of aluminum is much higher than that of many common
grades of constructional steel soften double or more.
This property permits design and construction of strong, lightweight structures that are
particularly advantageous for anything that moves-space vehicles and aircraft as well as all
types of land- and water-borne vehicles.
Corrosion Resistance.
When aluminum surfaces are exposed to the atmosphere ,a thin
invisible oxide skin
forms immediately, which protects the metal from further oxidation. This self-protecting
characteristic gives aluminum its high resistance to corrosion .Unless exposed to some
substance or condition that destroys this protective oxide coating, the metal remains fully
protected against corrosion. Aluminum is highly resistant to weathering, even in industrial
atmospheres that often corrode other metals .It is also corrosion resistant to many acids.
Alkalis are among the few substances that attack the oxide skin and therefore are

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Corrosive to aluminum Although the metal can safely be used in the presence of certain
mild alkalis with the aid of inhibitors, in general, direct contact with alkaline substances
should be avoided.
The high thermal conductivity of aluminum
(about 50 to 60% that of copper) came prominently into play in the very first large-scale
commercial application of the metal in cooking utensils .This characteristic is important
whenever the transfer of thermal energy from one medium to another is involved, either
Heating or cooling. Thus aluminum heat exchangers are commonly used in the food,
chemical, petroleum, aircraft, and other industries.
High Electrical Conductivity
Aluminum is one of the two common metals having an electrical conductivity high
enough for use as an electric conductor.
The conductivity of electric conductor grade (1350) is about 62%that of the International
Annealed Copper Standard (IACS). Because aluminum has less than one-third the specific
gravity of copper, however, a pound of aluminum will go about twice as far as a pound of
copper when used for this purpose.
Reflectivity.
Smooth aluminum is highly reflective of the electromagnetic spectrum, from radio waves
through visible light and on into the infrared and thermal range. It bounces away about
80%ofthe visible light and 90% of the radiant heat striking its surface.
The high reflectivity gives aluminum a decorative appearance; it also makes aluminum a
very effective barrier against thermal radiation, suitable for such applications as
automotive heat shields.
Non-toxic Characteristic.
The fact that aluminum is nontoxic was discovered in the early days of the industry. It is
this characteristic that permits the metal to be used in cooking utensils without any
harmful effect on the body. Today a great deal of aluminum equipment is used in the food
processing industry.
Non toxicity permits aluminum foil wrapping to be used safely in direct contact with food
products.

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Finishability.
For the majority of applications , aluminum needs no protective coating. Mechanical
finishes such as polishing, sandblasting, or wire brushing meet the majority of needs. In
many instances, the surface finish supplied is entirely adequate without further finishing.
Where the plain aluminum surface does not suffice or where additional protection is
required, any of a wide variety of surface finishes may be applied.
Chemical, electrochemical, and paint finishes are all used. Many colors are available in
both chemical and electrochemical finishes. If paint, lacquer, or enamel is used, any color
possible with these finishes can be applied. Vitreous enamels have been developed for
aluminum, and the metal can also be electroplated.

1.2-Aluminum Alloys2:
The mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of aluminum alloys depend on
composition and microstructure. The addition of selected elements to pure aluminum
greatly enhances its properties and usefulness. Because of this, most applications for
aluminum utilize alloys having one or more elemental additions. The major alloying
additions used with aluminum are copper, manganese, silicon, magnesium,

Classifications and Designations:

It is convenient to divide aluminum alloys into two major categories: wrought composition and
cast compositions. A further differentiation for each category is based on the primary mechanism
of property development. Many alloys respond to thermal treatment based on phase solubilities.
These treatments include solution heat treatment, quenching, and precipitation hardening. For
either casting or wrought alloys, such alloys are described as heat treatable. A large number of
other wrought compositions rely instead on work hardening through mechanical reduction,
usually in combination with various annealing procedures for property development. These alloys
are referred to as work hardening or non-heat-treatable. Some casting alloys are essentially not
heat treatable and are used only in as-east or in thermally modified conditions unrelated to
solutions or precipitation effects.
Cast and wrought alloy nomenclatures have been developed. The Aluminum Association system
is most widely recognized in the United States. Their alloy identification system employs
different nomenclatures for wrought and cast alloys but divides alloys into families for
simplification.

Aluminum andAluminumAlloys,Metals Handbook Desk Edition,2nd ed.,J.R. Davis,Ed,ASM International, 1998,p 417-505

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Wrought Alloy Families:

For wrought alloys, a four-digit system is used to produce a list of wrought
Composition families as follows:
lxxx: Controlled unalloyed (pure) composition,
Used primarily in the electrical and chemical industries
2xxx: Alloys in which copper is the principal alloying element, although other elements,
notably magnesium, can be specified. 2xxxseries alloys are widely used in aircraft where
their high strengths (yield strengths as high as 455 MPa, or 66 ksi) are valued.
3xxx: Alloys in which manganese is the principal alloying element, used as generalpurpose alloys for architectural application sand various products
4xxx: Alloys in which silicon is the principal alloying element, used in welding rod sand
brazing sheet
5xxx: Alloys in which magnesium is the principal alloying element, used in boat hulls,
gangplanks, and other products exposed to marine environments
6xxx: Alloys in which magnesium and silicon are the principal alloying elements,
commonly used for architectural extrusions.
7xxx: Alloys in which zinc is the principal alloying element (although other elements,
such as copper, magnesium, chromium, and zirconium, can be specified), used in aircraft
structural components and other high-strength applications. The7xxxseries are the
strongest aluminum alloys, with yield strengths 500MPa (73ksi) possible.
8xxx: Alloys characterizing miscellaneous compositions. The 8xxxseries alloy scan
contain appreciable amounts of tin, lithium, and/or iron.
The 5xxx and 6xxx series aluminum alloys are commonly used in marine applications
where low density materials, good mechanical properties and better resistance tocorrosion
are desired3.

H. Ezuber et al. / Materials and Design 29 (2008) p801

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1.3-Effects of Alloying Additions4:

A brief summary of the effects of the principal alloying additions on aluminum is given
here. Emphasis is placed on their influence on strength and response to heat treatment.
Copper is one of the most important additions to aluminum. It has appreciable solubility
and a substantial strengthening effect through the age-hardening characteristics it imparts
to aluminum. Many alloys contain copper either as the major addition(2xxx or
2xx.xseries) or as an additional alloying element, in concentrations of 1 to 10%.
Manganese has limited solid solubility in aluminum but in concentrations of about 1%
forms an important series of non-heat-treatable wrought aluminum alloys(3.xxxseries).It is
employed widely as a supplementary addition in both heat treatable and non-heat treatable
alloys and provides substantial strengthening.
Silicon lowers the melting point and increases the fluidity (improves casting
characteristics) of aluminum A moderate increase in strength is also provided by silicon
additions.
Magnesium provides substantial strengthening and improvement of the work-hardening
characteristics of aluminum It has a relatively high solubility in solid aluminum, but AIMg alloys containing less than 7% Mg (5xxxseries) do not show appreciable heat
treatment characteristics. Magnesium is also added in combination with other elements,
notably
copper and zinc, for even greater improvements in strength.
Zinc is employed in casting alloys and in conjunction with magnesium in wrought alloys
to produce heat treatable alloys (7:xxx series) having the highest strength among
aluminum alloys.
Copper and silicon are used together in the commonly used3xx.xseries casting alloys.
Desirable ranges of characteristic sand properties are obtained in both heat treatable and
non-heat-treatable alloys.
Magnesium and silicon are added in appropriate proportions to form Mg2Si, which is a
basis for age hardening in both wrought and(6xxxseries) and casting(3xx.xseries) alloys.
Tin improves the antifriction characteristic
alloys(8xx.xseries) are used for bearings.

F.King, Aluminum and its Alloys, Ellis Horwood Limited,1987

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of

aluminum,

and

cast

Al-Sn

Lithium is added to some alloys in concentrations approaching 3 wt % to decrease density

and increase the elastic modulus. Examples include Al-Cu-Li alloys (e.g., 2091)
containing1.7 to 2.3% Li and Al-Li-Cu-Mg alloys (e.g., 8090) containing 2.2 to 2.7% Li.

Table 3: Strength ranges of various wrought aluminum alloys:-

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2-Corrosion in Acid Solutions 5:

Corrosion of a metal (such as M) occurs in acid solutions due to the simultaneous metal
oxidation and proton reduction :
M M+2 + 2e-

(1)

2H++ 2e- H2

(2)

The overall reaction is a spontaneous reaction :

M + 2H+ M+2 + H2
because protons are an oxidizing reagent.
Because electrons are set free by the anodic reaction and absorbed by the cathodic reaction
the current flowing into the cathodic reaction must be equal (and opposite in sign) to the
current flowing out of the anodic reaction.
In the case of general corrosion the area of the cathodic and anodic sites is the same and
thus the current densities are equal.

2.1-Corrosion of Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys:

Aluminium is a thermodynamically reactive metal but it owes its excellent corrosion
resistance to the natural formation of a thin but very stable oxide film.
In neutral aqueous solutions (4 < pH < 9) a 50 thick oxide film protects the metal
(passivation). Only in a very acid solution aluminium is homogeneously corroded by
forming Al+3and in alkaline solution with formation of aluminates (AlO2-). The resistance
and stability of the oxide layer is a function of the environment and alloy composition and
of the microstructure of the metal (influenced by heat treatments).

J. Vereecken, Vrije ;Corrosion Control of Aluminium -Forms of Corrosion and Prevention; Universiteit Brussels;p3

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In order to maintain the excellent corrosion resistance of aluminium alloys it is necessary

to take into account a certain number of precautions. Some kinds of localized corrosion
can occur if the metal is used in un-favorable conditions.

2.1-Localized Corrosion:
Environmentally influenced corrosion :
Pitting corrosion
Crevice corrosion
Filiform corrosion
Biological corrosion

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 Metallurgically influenced corrosion :

Galvanic corrosion
Intergranular corrosion

Mechanically assisted degradation:

Erosion
Fretting corrosion
Corrosion fatigue

Environmentally induced cracking:

Stress corrosion cracking
Hydrogen embrittlement.

2.1.1-Environmentally Influenced Corrosion:

2.1.1.1 Pitting Corrosion
In aerated aqueous solutions and in the presence of Cl- ions random formation of pits can
be observed at defects in the protected oxide film. Pitting develops only at potentials more
cathodic than the pitting potential Ep(Figure 2). The intersection of the anodic curve for
aluminium (solid line) with a curve for the applicable cathodic reaction (one of the
representative dashed lines) determines the potential to which the aluminium is polarized,
either by cathodic reaction on the aluminium itself or on another metal electrically
connected to it. The potential to which the aluminium is polarized by a specific cathode
reaction determines corrosion current density and corrosion rate.
Figure 2:Typical anodic polarization curve for aluminium (solid line)

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The potential above which pits will initiate (Ep) decreases with an increase of the Clconcentration. However, only when cathodic reactions can occur (high enough
concentration of O2, low overpotential) pitting corrosion of aluminium starts.

the pit growth on the aluminium surface can be stimulated

by different reactions :
within the corrosion pit and preventing re-passivation :
enrichment of Cl- ions;
generation of an acid solution;
limited O2supply;

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 in the pit mouth :

formation of crust;
around the pit :
passivation;
deposition of more noble metals.
The first step in the pitting process is the adsorption of chloride on the oxidecovered
surface. When an ion, such as chloride, interacts with an ionic surface, such as an oxide,
the attractive forces consist of (i) coulombic forces, (ii) induction of the adsorbent by the
approaching ion, (iii) electrostatic polarization of the ion, and (iv) non-polar van der Waals
forces.
Table 3: Forces involved in the interaction of an anion with an Al-oxide surface.[6]

Of these attractive forces, the largest are the first two interactions, which are ionic, as
shown in Table 3. As stated above, in neutral solutions the oxide film on aluminum will
have a positive surface charge. Thus, adsorption of chloride ions is most favored on a
positively charged oxide surface for which the ionion forces are attractive in nature.
When the oxide surface is negatively charged, ionion forces are not attractive in nature so
that adsorption
of Cl onto the negatively charged oxide surface is much less favored but can proceed
through the operation of van der Waals (dispersion) forces.There is considerable
experimental evidence which shows that chloride ions are adsorbed on the oxide-covered
aluminum surface. Studies involving radiotracer techniques7.

J.H. de Boer, in: H. Mark, E.J.W. Verwey (Eds.), Advances in Colloid Science, vol. III, Interscience
Publishers, New York, 1950, p. 1
7
J.O.M. Bockris, Y. Kang, J. Solid State Electrochem. 1 (1997) 17.

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adsorption from solution onto powders8, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)9, X-ray
absorption spectroscopy (XAS)10, and Auger spectroscopy11 , all show that Cl is adsorbed
onto the oxide film on aluminum prior to the onset of pitting.
There is a growing body of evidence that chloride ions penetrate the passive film on
aluminum. In an XPS study on the uptake of chloride by oxide films on aluminum,
Natishan et al.12
Very high purity aluminium (1099) has excellent resistance to pitting. Among commercial
alloys, the aluminium-magnesium alloys (5xxx) have the lowest pitting probability and
penetration rates. With low (< 0.04 %) copper content aluminium-manganese (3xxx)
alloys show comparable pitting behaviour. In aluminium-magnesium-silicon (6xxx) alloys
pitting is combined with intergranular corrosion. Aluminium-copper (2xxx) and
aluminium-zinc-magnesium-copper (7xxx) alloys are normally clad to protect against
pitting13.

2.1.1.2 Crevice Corrosion14 :

A very general method to improve the corrosion resistance of metals is to avoid the
presence of narrow openings or spaces between metal to metal or non-metal to metal
components. Localized corrosion at these sites will start due to the formation of an oxygen
differential cell. The corrosion in the crevice will be accelerated by an acidification due to
hydrolysis.
The factors affecting crevice corrosion are :

Geometrical factors:
type of crevice (metal-metal, metal-non metal)
crevice tightness
crevice depth
8

T.H. Nguyen, R.T. Foley, J. Electrochem. Soc. 127 (1980) 2563.

J. Augustynski, J. Painot, J. Electrochem. Soc. 123 (1976) 841
10
S. Yu, W.E. OGrady, D.E. Ramaker, P.M. Natishan, J. Electrochem. Soc. 147 (2000) 2952
11
L.D. Atanasoska, D.M. Drazic, A.R. Despic, A. Zalar, J. Electroanal. Chem. 182 (1985) 179.
12
P.M. Natishan, W.E. OGrady, E. McCafferty, D.E. Ramaker, K. Pandya, A. Russell, J. Electrochem.
Soc. 146 (1999) 1737.
13
J. Vereecken, Vrije ;Corrosion Control of Aluminium -Forms of Corrosion and Prevention; Universiteit Brussels;p8
14
J. Vereecken, Vrije ;Corrosion Control of Aluminium -Forms of Corrosion and Prevention; Universiteit Brussels;p9
9

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exterior-interior surface area ratio

Environmental factors:
bulk solution (O2, pH, Cl-)
mass transport
crevice solution (hydrolysis equilibria)
biological factors
Electrochemical reactions :
metal dissolution
O2 reduction
H2 evolution
Metallurgical factors:
alloys composition
passive film characteristics.
To prevent crevice corrosion some precautions must be taken15 :
When crevice corrosion is considered possible, the crevice should be sealed with a non
hardening elastomer to prevent the entry of moisture. Some sealants become hard and
crack on aging, allowing moisture to enter. The elastomeric requirement is essential for
joints in equipment that work in service, such as in all types of vehicles - road transport,
ships, and airplanes. There are two general types of sealant:
(1) one-component systems such as butyls or silicones, and
(2) two-component systems such as polysulfides and epoxies.
To prevent poultice corrosion which is a special case of crevice corrosion, the contact of
the bare aluminium surface with moisture-absorbing materials such as paper, cloth, wood,
asbestos, and non-cellular foams should be avoided.

15

ASM(Ed.): "Metals Handbook", Vol. 13 "Corrosion", p.583

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2.1.1.3 Filiform Corrosion 16:

Filiform corrosion is another case of localized corrosion that may occur on an aluminium
surface under an organic coating. It takes the form of randomly distributed thread-like
filaments, and is sometimes called vermiform or warm track corrosion.
Aluminium is susceptible to filiform corrosion in a relative humidity range of 75 to 90%
with temperatures between 20 to 40C. Typical filament growth rates average about 0.1
mm/d. Filament width varies with increasing humidity from 0.3 to 3 mm. The depth of
penetration in aluminium can be as deep as 15. Numerous coating systems used on
aluminium are susceptible to filiform corrosion, including nitrocellulose epoxy,
polyurethane, alkyd, phenoxy and vinyls. Condensates containing chloride, bromide,
sulphate, carbonate and nitrate ions stimulate filiform corrosion.
Filiform corrosion is an oxygen concentration cell in which the anodic active area is the
head of the filament and the cathode is the area surrounding it, including the tail
(Figure 4). At the head pH values as low as 1.5 to 2.5 have been reported.

Fig 4 process of filiform corrosion in aluminum :

16

Joseph R. Davis; Corrosion of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys;ASM;p54

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Anodic reaction produces Al+3 which react to form insoluble precipitates with the
hydroxyl (OH-) ions produced in the oxygen reduction reaction occurring in the tail.
Phosphate coatings or chromium containing conversion coatings applied to the metal
surface prior to organic coating are widely used to protect against filiform corrosion but
they are not always completely successful.
2.1.1.4 Biological Corrosion17:
Biological organisms are present in virtually all natural aqueous environments and can
attack and grow on the surface of structural materials, resulting in the formation of a
biological film or biofilm.
The presence of a biological film does not introduce some new type of corrosion, but it
influences the occurrence and/or the rate of known types of corrosion, e.g.:
-increase or decrease of the corrosion rate due to oxygen reduction;
-production of different aeration or chemical concentration cells;
-production of organic and inorganic acids as metabolic by-products;
17

Yang SS, Chen CY, Wei CB, Lin YT. Microbial corrosion of aluminum alloy. Zhonghua Min Guo Wei Sheng Wu Ji Mian Yi Xue
Za Zhi. 1996 Nov;29(4):185-96. PubMed PMID: 10592801.

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-production of sulfides under anaerobic conditions.

For example, pitting corrosion of integral wing aluminum fuel tanks in aircraft that use
kerosene-base fuels has been known to occur. The attack proceeds under microbial
deposits in the water phase and at the fuel/ water interface. The organisms grow either in
continuous mats or sludges, or in volcanolike tubercules with gas bubbling from the center
The organisms commonly held responsible are Pseudomonas, Cladosporium and
Desulfovibrio. Cladosporium resinae produces a variety of organic acids (pH 3-4) and
metabolizes certain fuel constituents. These organisms may also act with the slime
forming Pseudomonads to produce oxygen concentration cells under the deposit.
Figure 5 :biological corrosion microbial deposit in the form of volcanolike tubercles18:

Control of this type of attack has usually focused on a combination of reducing the water
content of fuel tanks, coating and using biocides and fuel additives.
2.1.2 Metallurgically Influenced Corrosion19:
2.1.2.1Galvanic Corrosion :
Due to the fact that different metals must be used very often electrically coupled in an
integrated structure a corrosion cell can occur resulting in acceleration of the corrosion
process in less resistant metals.
18
19

J. Vereecken, Vrije ;Corrosion Control of Aluminium -Forms of Corrosion and Prevention; Universiteit Brussels;p11
Edward Ghali; Corrosion Resistance of Aluminum and Magnesium Alloys; John Wiley & Sons;2010;pp215-241

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the galvanic series of aluminium alloys and other metals in a NaCl solution. This galvanic
series, however, is not necessarily valid in non-saline solutions. For example aluminium
is anodic to zinc in an aqueous 1 M sodium chromate (Na2CrO4) solution and cathodic to
iron in an aqueous 1 M sodium sulfate solution (Na2SO4). Under most environmental
conditions, aluminium and its alloys are the anodes in galvanic cells with most other
metals, protecting them by corroding sacrificially.
Contact of aluminium with more cathodic metals results in an increase of the potential of
aluminium; this must be avoided in any environment in which aluminium itself is subject
to pitting corrosion.

To prevent the galvanic corrosion some precautions must be taken:

Low potential difference (< 50 mV)
High ratio area anode-cathode; e.g. stainless steel bolts in bare aluminium structures
Low conductivity of the corrosion medium
Slow kinetic of cathodic reduction, e.g. by inhibitors in closed loop circuits Of course,
without aqueous environment and without oxydants (O2) no galvanic corrosion can start.
The galvanic corrosion can occur after deposition of heavy metals on aluminium.
Reduction of only a small amount of these ions can lead to severe localized corrosion. The
influence of Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni and Sn is very important in acidic solutions.

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A Cu2+concentration of 0.02-0.05 ppm in neutral or acidic solutions is generally

considered to be the threshold value for initiation of Al pitting. This value is a function of
the pH value and
the concentration of Cl-, HCO3 -and Ca2+.
2.1.2.2 Intergranular Corrosion :
Galvanic corrosion can occur on the macroscopic but also on microscopic level.
Intergranular corrosion is a form of localized surface attack in which a narrow path is
corroded preferentially along the grain boundaries of a metal. The driving force is a
difference in corrosion potential that develops between a thin grain boundary zone and the
bulk of the immediately adjacent grains.
In the 2 xxx series alloys the anodic path is a narrow band on either side of the boundary
that is depleted in copper; in the 5xxx series alloys MgAl3is anodic to aluminium and is
preferentially dissolved when the constituent forms a continuous path along grain
boundaries; copper free 7xxx series alloys are Zn and Mg - bearing constituents on the
grain boundary and generally considered to be the anodic. In the copper bearing 7xxx
series alloys, it appears to be the copper depleted bands along the grain boundaries, which
cause intergranular corrosion. The 6xxx series alloys generally resist this type of
corrosion, if the Si-content is kept at values near the stoichiometric Mg2Si composition or
below.

2.1.3 Mechanically Assisted Degradation20:

2.1.3.1 Erosion
In noncorrosive environments, such as high purity water, the stronger aluminum alloys
have the greatest resistance to erosion-corrosion because resistance is controlled almost
entirely by the mechanical components of the system. In a corrosive environment, such as
seawater, the corrosion component becomes the controlling factor; thus, resistance may be
20

J. Vereecken, Vrije ;Corrosion Control of Aluminium -Forms of Corrosion and Prevention; Universiteit Brussels;pp13-14

- 24 -

greater for the more corrosion-resistant alloys even though they are lower in strength.
Corrosion inhibitors and cathodic protection have been used to minimize erosioncorrosion,
impingement, and cavitation on aluminum alloys.

Fig. Turbulent Eddy mechanism for growth of erosion corrosion pit.

2.1.3.2 Fretting Corrosion
Fretting corrosion is a combined wear and corrosion process in which material is removed
from the contacting surface when motion between the surfaces is restricted to very small
amplitude oscillation. Factors affecting fretting are:
-contact load -amplitude -frequency -number of cycles
-relative humidity temperature .

2.1.3.3 Corrosion Fatigue

Fatigue strengths of aluminum alloys are lower in such corrosive environments as
seawater and other salt solutions than in air, especially when evaluated by low-stress
longduration tests.
Such corrosive environments cause smaller reductions in fatigue strength in the more
corrosion-resistant alloys, such as the 5xxx and 6xxx series, than in less resistant alloys,
such as the 2xxx and 7xxx series.
Like SCC of aluminum alloys, corrosion fatigue requires the presence of water. In contrast

- 25 -

to SCC, however, corrosion fatigue is not appreciably affected by test direction with
respect to the rolling, forging or extrusion direction, because the fracture that results from
this type of attack is predominantly transgranular.
2.1.4 Environmentally Induced Cracking21:
2.1.4.1 Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC)
SCC is a complex mechanism involving metallurgical, mechanical and environmental
parameters. SCC in aluminium alloys is characteristically intergranular.
According to the electrochemical theory, this requires a condition along the grain
boundaries that makes them anodic to the rest of the microstructure so that corrosion
propagates selectively along them. This theory is confirmed by the fact that cathodic
protection retards or eliminates SCC.
Parameters :
magnitude and duration of tensile strength acting at the surface;
residual stresses during quenching;
grain structure and stress direction (resistance in short transverse direction
controls applications of products);
environment : Cl- and a decrease of the pH-value accelerate the attack.
The SCC of high-strength aluminium alloys such as 2024, 7075 and 7079 is often caused
by sustained residual or assembly tension stresses acting in the short transverse direction.
The stresses developed by service loads are usually intermittent and are designed to
operate in a favorable direction (longitudinal or long transverse) relative to the grain
structure.

The following guidelines should be considered by the designer to minimize SCC :

select alloys and tempers that are resistant to SCC;
use stress-relieved parts;
perform forming and straightening on freshly quenched material, W-temper, to ensure
less severe effects;
machine exterior surfaces before heat treating, because quenching causes more
desirable compressive surface stresses;
machine internal surfaces after heat treating to partially remove internal stresses;
21

Hatch, E.:"Aluminium : Properties and Physical Metallurgy", ASM, 1984, p. 242

- 26 -

 avoid fitup stresses by careful attention to tolerance. Poorly fitted parts and misaligned
parts should not be forced into place.
Where built-in surface tensile stresses cannot be avoided, techniques such as shot
peening and surface rolling, or thermal stress relief from second stage ageing, can be
utilized to reduce the undesired stresses.
postweld heat treat weldments.
2.1.4.2 Hydrogen Embrittlement :
Hydrogen embrittlement is a form of environmentally assisted failure that results most
often from the combined action of hydrogen and residual or applied tensile stress.
Only recently it has been found that hydrogen embrittles aluminium. For many years, all
environmental cracking of aluminium and its alloys was represented as SCC. Hydrogen
damage in aluminium alloys may take the form of intergranular or transgranular cracking
or blistering. Hydrogen diffuses into the aluminium lattice and collects at internal defects
(e.g. during annealing of solution treating in air furnaces prior to age hardening).
Dry hydrogen gas is not detrimental to aluminium alloys; however, with the addition of
water vapor, subcritical crack growth increases dramatically.
The threshold stress intensity of cracking of aluminium also decreases significantly in the
presence of humid hydrogen gas at ambient temperature.
Hydrogen embrittlement of the 7000 series has been more intensively studied.

3- Corrosion Prevention:
They are a number of corrosion preventives measures, special to specific types of
aluminium
corrosion, the main methods of preventing corrosion of aluminium equipment :
alloy and temper selection
design of equipment
organic coating (and sealants)
inhibitors
cathodic protection
surface treatment

- 27 -

 modification of the environment

3.1 Alloy and Temper Selection :
The choice of an aluminium alloy for a given use is often based on strength, formability,
ease of welding, or product availability. However, corrosion resistance must be included
when making the choice.
In general, aluminium-magnesium alloys (5xxx) have the best corrosion resistance,
followed by commercial-purity alloys (1xxx), aluminium-manganese alloys (3xxx), and
aluminium-magnesium-silicon alloys (6xxx) in that order, with only small differences
within families. These alloy families are normally used without protection although they
are sometimes painted (sidings for buildings) or anodized (window frames) for aesthetic
reasons.
The aluminium-copper-magnesium alloys (2xxx) and the medium- and highstrength
aluminium-zinc-magnesium-copper alloys (7xxx) are usually given a protective measure
such as cladding or painting.
The importance of temper was mentioned previously. The H116 temper for 5083, 5086
and 5456 gives better resistance to intergranular and exfoliation corrosion. In 7xxx alloys,
the T7x temper provides improved resistance to SCC, for example, the T73 and T76
tempers of 7075 alloy.
These tempers are a compromise, because strength is somewhat lower than that of the T6
temper. The lower strength of these tempers in 7075 has been offset by the development of
stress-corrosion resistant tempers in 7049, 7050 and 7010 alloys.

3.2 Design of Equipment

The design of equipment can have an important influence on the corrosion behaviour,
even in environments in which aluminium is normally resistant.
Some guidelines can help the designer to minimize corrosion of aluminium in service :
avoid contacts with dissimilar metals, but if they must be used, apply suitable
protection;
avoid crevices, but if they must be present, and if thin sections are involved,
prevent ingress of moisture by application of sealants;
join by continuous welding, rather than by skip welding or riveting;

- 28 -

 provide for complete draining and easy cleaning;

avoid contact of bare aluminium surfaces with water-absorptive materials, but
if they must be used together, apply suitable protection;
avoid sharp bends in piping systems;
avoid heat transfer hot spots;
avoid direct impingement by fluid streams;
avoid excessive mechanical stress concentrations;
when locating equipment, choose the least corrosive environment possible;
eliminate sharp edges in equipment that is to be painted.
3.3- Organic Coating[22][23]:
The main components of paint and lacquers are binder, pigment and volatile solvents and
thinners.
The binder is responsible for the coherence within the paint film and for its adherence to
the substrate. Sometimes, if the binder is brittle a plasticizer is added.
The pigment is primarily responsible for colour and hiding power but it plays an important
role for the physical properties of the film. In anti corrosion primers the pigments have
inhibitive or rust preventing properties. In top paints the pigments are flake-like particles
in order to increase the oxygen diffusion path.
A solvent is used if the binder is a solid substance at ambient temperature. The solvent is
of importance not only for the applicability of the paint but affects also adherence and
other properties.
Clearly the organic coating assists in limiting environmental ingress to the aluminium
substrate; further, inhibitive pigments within the primer coat reduce corrosion or loss of
adhesion through interfacial degradation and also provide protection at damaged regions.

The different methods of applying organic coatings are:

1. Brushing
2. Dip coating
3. Roller coating
4. Flow coating
5. Fluidized bed coating
6. Spray coating :
7. Electrophoresis.
22
23

Munger, C.G.: "Corrosion Prevention by Protective Coatings", NACE, Houston 1984.

"Metals Handbook" , ASM, Vol. 13 "Corrosion", p. 399.

- 29 -

The performance of organic coating systems can be maximized by following the specific
recommendations of suppliers regarding surface preparation, pretreatment, selection of
compatible conversion coat, primer and topcoat, application and curing. If continuing
maximum corrosion protection is required, the organic coating systems must be
maintained periodically.
3.3.1 Surface Preparation 24:
The most important factor in obtaining good paint adhesion is the preparation of the
Surface.
the aluminium alloy surface is relatively complex and is difficult to characterize precisely.
Thus, for example, hydrocarbons present on the surface may shield the substrate giving
rise to non-uniform behaviour; aesthetic reasons may also dictate removal of such
contamination. Consequently, an initial reason for surface treatment is to remove such
contamination and detritus. Degreasing in organic solvents or vapours has been an initial
approach, but a subsequent etching treatment in alkali usually follows. Appropriate rinsing
schedules must also be adopted to remove residual solution or solvent and to limit cross
contamination. It should also be appreciated that electrochemical processes, such as
alkaline etching, leave a residual film on the aluminium surface. A so-called desmut in
nitric acid follows, which removes contaminants, but the alumina film developed in the
alkali, perhaps reinforced through immersion in the acid, largely remains. In addition, such
film formation over the macroscopic surface leaves a more uniform surface, with the nitric
acid immersion serving to remove some residual metal impurity segregates. Such
segregates may result from dissolution of second phase material, with appropriate cations
relocated by deposition on the aluminium surface.
Consequently, a surface with reduced local activity ensues, with a reduced driving force
for corrosion in particular environments.

24

S. Wernick, R. Pinner and P. G. Sheasby: The Surface Treatment and Finishing of

Aluminium and its Alloys, Fifth Edition, Volume 1, ASM International Finishing
Publications Ltd, England (1987)

- 30 -

They are Various pretreatment systems but a chemical conversion coatings are the most
widely used form of pretreatment when painting of aluminium.
Aluminium can be pretreated with
amorphous phosphates
zinc phosphates
chromating
phosphochromating
phosphofluozirconium coating.

3.4- Inhibitors 25:

Inhibitors such as chromates that reduce the anodic corrosion reaction are termed anodic
inhibitors, whereas those (e.g. polyphosphates) reducing cathodic corrosion reaction are
termed cathodic inhibitors.
If anodic inhibitors are used in an insufficient amount, they tend to increase pitting.
25

Hollingsworth, E.H., Hunsicker, H.Y. and Schweitzer, P.A.: Corrosion and Corrosion
Protection Handbook, Pt. Aluminium Alloys, pp.153-186, Marcel Dekker Inc., New
York and Basel, 1989

- 31 -

Cathodic inhibitors are safer in this respect.

Mixed anodic and cathodic inhibitor systems are also used.
Phosphates, silicates, nitrates, fluorides, benzoates, soluble oils and certain other
chemicals alone or in combination have been recommended for use with aluminium in
some services.
In mildly alkaline solutions the corrosion of aluminium can be inhibited by additions of
sodium silicate. Silicates with a high ratio of silicate to soda are widely used in alkaline
cleaning solutions, carbonates and phosphates. In mixed-metal, water-handling systems,
such as an automobile cooling system, inhibitors mixtures have been developed to prevent
corrosion of all metals in the system, including aluminium.
Inhibitors may affect the anodic corrosion reaction, in which case they are termed anodic
inhibitors, or they may inhibit the cathodic corrosion reaction in which case they are
termed cathodic inhibitors.
Anodic inhibitors can be dangerous if not added in sufficient amount, since while they
may reduce the effective anode area, attack at the remaining sites will be more severe than
in the absence of the inhibitor.
Cathodic inhibitores are safer since a partial reduction of the effective cathode area will
reduce corrosion at the anode. They are, however, usually less effective than anodic
inhibitors.
Chromate (in the form of sodium or potassium chromate or dichromate) is the most
commonly used inhibitor with aluminium and is an anodic type inhibitor. To prevent the
pitting of aluminium in aggressive water, the addition of 500 ppm. of sodium chromate or
dichromate with a pH adjusted to 8.5 is effective.
Phosphate, silicate, nitrate, nitrite, benzoate, soluble oils and other chemicals have also
been recommended alone or in combination to inhibit the corrosion of aluminium by
aggressive waters.
Inhibition of water is usually economic only in a recirculated, closed loop system. In a
mixed metal system including, for example aluminium and copper it is important to design
a good inhibitor system and maintain the pH above 8.0-8.5 to prevent copper dissolution
and their subsequent deposition on the aluminium. surface.
The complexity of the inhibition tends to make it difficult for a general engineer to

- 32 -

develop a satisfactory water treatment without the help of a specialist.

Frequently, laboratory testing on location is necessary to establish the best treatment.
3.4.1 Inhibitors in acid medium:
Deepa Prabhu et-al was investigated the corrosion behaviour of aluminium and 6063
aluminium alloy in phosphoric acid of different concentrations at different temperatures.
The study was done by electrochemical method, using Tafel polarization and
electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques.
The rate of corrosion of 6063 aluminium alloy was found to be higher than that
of pure aluminium.
The corrosion rate increase with increase in the concentration of phosphoric acid.
The corrosion rate increases with increase in temperature in both metals26.

Most of the effective inhibitor have hetero atom such as O, N, S containing multiple bonds
in their molecules through which they can adsorb on the metal surface. The sites of these
elements have higher electron density, making them the reaction centers. An articles on
the
corrosion inhibition of aluminium by different type of inhibitors are summarized in Table
(4)
corrosion inhibition of aluminium by different type of inhibitors
Table (4) :corrosion inhibition of aluminium by different type of inhibitors are27 :

26
27

eepa Prabhuetal /Int.J.ChemTech Res.2013,5(6)

M. Aliofkhazraei; Developments in Corrosion Protection;CH20; InTech pp471-472

- 33 -

- 34 -

- 35 -

- 36 -

3.4.1.1- 3-alkyloxy aniline sodium sulfonate monomeric surfactants.

S.M. Sayyah et al. studied of 3-alkyloxy aniline sodium sulfonate monomeric surfactants
and their analogues polymers as mixedtype inhibitors for the corrosion of aluminium in
0.5M HCl. and investigated it via weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization
techniques.
They find that Monomeric surfactants 3-(6-sodium sulphonate hexayloxy) aniline
(MC6), 3-(10-sodium sulphonate decyloxy) aniline (MC10) and 3-(12-sodiumsulphonate

- 37 -

dodecyloxy) aniline (MC12) and and their analogues polymeric surfactants poly 3(hexayloxy sulphonic acid) aniline (PC6), poly 3-(decyloxy sulphonic acid) aniline (PC10)
and poly 3-(dodecyloxy sulphonic acid) aniline (PC12).
The inhibition efficiency of the polymeric surfactant was higher than that of the
monomeric surfactant, and the inhibition efficiency increased with increasing inhibitor
concentration but decreased with increasing temperature.
The inhibition efficiency of PC11R is higher than that of PC12. This may be assigned to the
elimination of the terminal -SO3H groups in PC12. The presence of terminal CH3 groups
stabilizes the inhibition efficiency. Also, the presence of terminal CH3 in the alkyl chain
in
PC11R molecules may reduce repulsion between anionic head with similar charge as in
PC12.
This allows a closed layer to form more easily and hence higher inhibition efficiency28.
3.4.1.2 Different Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum.
I. J. Alinnor and P. M. Ejikeme studied Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminium in Acidic
Medium by Different Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum .
Ocimum gratissimum leaf contains alkaloid, saponins, flavonoids and tannins.
This study indicates that extract of Ocimum gratissimum inhibits Al surface in presence of
1M HCl. The corrosion process is inhibited by adsorption of extracts on aluminium
surface.
Inhibition efficiency increase with increase in inhibitor concentrations .
The result of the analysis shows that inhibition efficiency and degree of surface
coverage decreases as temperature increases. Activation energies of different extracts
increase as concentration of inhibitor increases. The negative values of Gads
shows that adsorption of inhibitor on surface of aluminium is spontaneous.
The trend of inhibition efficiency of different extracts was in order:
Distilled H2O > C2H5OH>1M HCl 29.

28

S.M. Sayyah, S.S.Abd El-Rehim, M.M. El-Deeb andS.M. Mohamed; The Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminium by Some of 3alkyloxyaniline Monomeric Surfactants and TheirAnalogues Polymers in 0.5 M HCl Solution;intech;p502
29
I. J. Alinnor, P. M. Ejikeme; Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminium in Acidic Medium by Different Extracts of Ocimum
gratissimum;ACS,2012,2(4)pp122-135

- 38 -

3.4.1.3- Euphorbia hirta extract.

L. A. Nnanna et al. studied of corrosion inhibition of aluminium alloy of type AA3003 in
acidic and alkaline media by Euphorbia hirta extract (asthma-plant) the extract, which
include tannins, alkaloids, and essential oil.
The inhibitive properties of tannins have been attributed to the reaction of the
polyphenolic fraction of the tannins moieties,which ensures effective protection of the
metal surfaces.
and they were found the extract from the studied leaf material to be effective green
inhibitor of aluminium alloys corrosion in both acidic and alkaline environments of 0.5 M
HCl and
0.25 M NaOH, respectively. The corrosion process in acidic medium was inhibited by
adsorption of the extract organic matter on the aluminium alloys surface and the
blocking of active sites.
The extract inhibited the corrosion of aluminium alloys in acidic media by means of
hindering both cathodic and anodic electrode processes, because the greater the number of
bonds in the extracts, the higher the inhibition efficiency. It is found that the
inhibitive action was basically controlled by temperature, exposure time and
concentration of the inhibitor 30.
3.4.1.4- black mulberry.
A. I. Ali and N. Foaud studied Inhibition of Aluminum corrosion in 2M hydrochloric
acid solution using black mulberry ,active compound is Gallic acid.
extract has been studied by weight loss, electrochemical polarization technique and
hydrogen evolution measurement. It was found that the berry extract acts as a good
inhibitor for aluminum corrosion in the acid solution. The inhibition action of the extract
in was discussed in view of the adsorption of its components on aluminum surface. It
was found also that the adsorption is a spontaneous process and follows Langmuir
adsorption isotherm. The inhibition efficiency (IE) increases as the extract concentration
is increased. Moreover, the effect of temperature on the IE was studied. The IE decreases
with increased the temperature. It was found that the presence of extract increases the
activation energy of the corrosion reaction. Moreover, the thermodynamic parameters
of the adsorption process were calculated. It was found also that the extract
provides a good protection to aluminum against pitting corrosion in chloride ion
containing solutions31.
30

L. A. Nnanna, I. U. Anozie, A. G. I. Avoaja, C. S. Akoma and E. P. Eti; Comparative study of corrosion inhibition of aluminium
alloy of type AA3003 in acidic and alkaline media by Euphorbia hirta extract; African Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry
Vol. 5(8), pp. 265-271
31
A. I. Ali* and N. Foaud;J. Mater. Environ. Sci. 3 (5) (2012) 917-924

- 39 -

3.4.1.5- Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract .

I. C. Madufor, U. E. Itodoh and M. U. Obidiegwu, M. S. Nwakaudu studied Inhibition of
aluminium corrosion in 1.5M H2SO4 solution in the absence and presence of
Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract (CAFE) .
Which contain ascrobic acid, tannins, tannins, and phytic acid.
at temperature range of 30 60oC was studied using weight loss and thermometric
techniques. The fruit extract acts as an inhibitor in the acid environment. The
inhibition efficiency increased with increase in inhibitor concentration but decreased with
increase in temperature. The inhibiting effect of the Chrysophyllum albidum fruit
extract could be attributed to the presence of some phytochemical constituents in
the fruit extract which is adsorbed on the surface of the aluminium. The
Chrysophyllum albidum fruit extract was found to obey Temkin adsorption isotherm at all
the concentrations and temperatures studied. Thermodynamic parameters reveal that the
adsorption process is spontaneous32.
3.4.1.5- extract of Garlic.
Saedah R. Al-Mhyawi studied the inhibition efficiency of extract of Garlic which contain
at least 33 sulfur compounds like aliin, allicin, ajoene, allylpropl,diallyl, trisulfide,
sallylcysteine, vinyldithiines, Sallylmercaptocystein, and others.
Besides sulfure compounds garlic contains 17 amino acids and their glycosides, arginine
and others. Minerals such as selenium and enzymes like allinase, peroxidases, myrosinase
Garlic contains a higher concentration of sulfur compounds.
the inhibition efficiency of extract of Garlic on aluminium in hydrochloric acid solutions
evaluated by weight loss techniques.
Values of inhibition efficiency obtained are dependent upon the concentration of inhibitor
and temperature. Generally, inhibition was found to increase with inhibitor concentration,
half-life, activation energy but decrease with temperature and firstorder rate constant at the
temperatures studied. Physical adsorption mechanism has been proposed for the inhibition
and Langmuir , Temkin adsorption isotherm was obeyed. Garlic is an inhibitor of
aluminium corrosion in 0.5 M hydrochloric acid solution.
The values of standard free energy of adsorption suggest that the adsorption of inhibitor on
aluminium surface occurred by physisorption mechanism. the negative sign of the Free
Energy of adsorption indicates that the adsorption of the inhibitors on the aluminum
surface was a spontaneous process.the negative values of enthalpy of

32

I. C. Madufor, U. E. Itodoh, M. U. Obidiegwu, M. S. Nwakaudu; Journal of Engineering (IOSRJEN) Volume 2, Issue 9;pp 16-23

- 40 -

adsorption (H) suggest that the chemical reaction involved in the adsorption of the
inhibitors on the metal surface is an exothermic process, hence increase in the reaction
temperature of the medium will decrease the inhibition efficiency33.
3.4.1.6- anionic polyeletrolyte pectates (PEC).
Refat M. Hassan and Ishaq A. Zaafarany studied Corrosion inhibition of aluminum (Al)
in hydrochloric acid by anionic polyeletrolyte pectates (PEC) as a water-soluble natural
polymer polysaccharide using both gasometric and weight loss techniques. The
results drawn from these two techniques are comparable and exhibit negligible
differences.
The inhibition efficiency was found to increase with increasing inhibitor concentration and
decrease with increasing temperature.
The inhibition action of PEC on Al metal surface was found to obey the
Freundlich isotherm. Factors such as the concentration and geometrical structure of
the inhibitor, concentration of the corrosive medium, and temperature affecting the
corrosion
rates were examined. The kinetic parameters were evaluated and a suitable
corrosion
mechanism consistent with the kinetic results is discussed in the paper.
Anionic polyelectrolyte pectates as a natural polymer may be considered as a safe
and effective inhibitor for decreasing the corrosion of Al in acidic medium. The
geometrical configuration and functional groups within the inhibitor molecule are
the two main important factors to influence the inhibition efficiency34.

33

AL-MHYAWI, Orient. J. Chem., Vol. 30(2), 541-552 (2014)

Refat M. Hassan,Ishaq A. Zaafarany; Materials 2013, 6, 2436-2451

34

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