Evaluation of the Corrosion Resistance of the Al-Si-Cu-Mg Alloy with the Addition of Zirconium

Abstract

Aluminum alloys are one of the most used materials today, and therefore great emphasis is placed on their continuous development. Improving the ratio of strength and stiffness to weight, improving plasticity, casting properties or resistance to corrosion are examples of properties of aluminum alloys that are constantly being improved. This work focuses on the evaluation of the corrosion resistance of the Al-Si5Cu2Mg alloy with graded addition of zirconium (0.05; 0.10; 0.15; 0.20 wt.%). Corrosion resistance was evaluated based on immersion, exposure and potentiodynamic polarization tests. The addition of Zr to the AlSi5Cu2Mg alloy improved the thermodynamic stability in all evaluations. The application of heat treatment led to even more significant increases in corrosion resistance in almost all evaluations. Microscopic observation of the samples revealed mainly pitting corrosion along with intercrystalline corrosion.

Enhancement of the Corrosion Properties of Al–10%Si–2%Cu Alloys with La Addition

“…To address these limitations, M. Matejka’s research group suggested the corrosion rate of Al-Si5Cu2-Mg alloy according to Zr content and showed the corrosion resistance was improved if 0.1 wt% Zr was added [ 4 ]. P, Zhou et al reported that the addition of Cr to Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy not only improves corrosion resistance but also mechanical properties [ 5 ].…”