This paper presents the investigation results of the electrochemical behavior
of copper in 1 M Na2CO3 solution in the presence of potassium ethyl xanthate
(KEtX) with different concentrations. Tests were conducted on copper samples
obtained without deformation and with deformation of 83, 91 and 99 %. Samples
were obtained by cold drawing of wire, which was previously obtained by
dip-forming procedure. Corrosion behavior of cold deformed copper wire is
characterized by its open circuit potential and behavior during anodic
polarization. Experiments were carried out in aqueous solution 1 M Na2CO3
with added various amounts of KEtX between 0.008 g/l and 0.15 g/l. It was
experimentally proved that the degree of deformation between 83 and 99 % does
not have a large effect on the open circuit potential, as well as on the
behavior of copper during anodic polarization in 1 M Na2CO3. Voltammograms
show no significant differences between peak heights obtained for different
electrodes. The first peak which occurs at potential of around -0.06 V vs.
SCE corresponds to the formation of copper oxide Cu2O. The second wide peak
is at potential of around 0.15 V vs. SCE and corresponds to the formation of
CuO. Addition of potassium ethyl xanthate in alkaline 1 M Na2CO3 solution
changes the mechanism of the process in anodic part, which is reflected in
the change of shape of voltammograms. In presence of KEtX in concentration
between 0.008 g/l and 0.15 g/l on voltammograms a sharp peak appears at
potential of about -0.2 V vs. SCE and corresponds to the oxidation of
xanthate. Current density, which determines the rate of the process which
takes place at the electrode surface, yet in the presence of smallest amounts
of KEtX (<0,08 g/l) is higher than in the absence of KEtX. It allows one to
conclude that the processes of oxidation of copper accelerate in presence of
potassium ethyl xanthate.