Characterization of atmospheric corrosion of 2A12 aluminum alloy in tropical marine environment

In this work, corrosion product formed on 2A12 aluminum (Al) alloy after 3 months of natural exposure in South China Sea atmosphere was characterized by various surface analysis techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray analysis, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction. The atmospheric corrosion mechanism of Al alloy in marine environment was derived. Results demonstrated that Al alloy specimen experiences serious general corrosion and pitting corrosion. Al and O are enriched in the product film, and Ca and Cl are also found in the film and corrosion pits in Al alloy substrate. The main component compounds existing in the film include Al₂O₃, Al(OH)₃, and AlOOH while AlCl ₃ and CaCO₃ are also identified. Al alloy encounters corrosion under tropical marine atmosphere. Although somewhat protective, the formed surface film on Al alloy specimen is attacked by chloride ions, resulting in significant pitting corrosion of Al alloy.