Corrosion of Cu-5Zn-5Al-1Sn (89% Cu, 5% Zn, 5% Al, 1% Sn) Compared to Copper in Synthetic Perspiration During Cyclic Wetting and Drying: The Fate of Copper

Cu-5Zn-5Al-1Sn (89% Cu, 5% Zn, 5% Al, 1% Sn; wt%) and UNS C11000 copper (Cu) were compared with respect to corrosion rate, film formation, and Cu release. Electrochemical, surface characterization, and solution analysis methods were utilized to track the fate of copper during corrosion of freshly ground alloys exposed to cyclic wetting and drying in a synthetic perspiration droplet. Corrosion behavior was a function of both alloy composition and environment, where cyclic wetting and drying resulted in more severe corrosion behavior compared to full immersion in the same perspiration solution. Throughout the corrosion process, significant concentrations of copper ions were released from both alloys. However, concentration increases were limited by solubility and precipitation reaction but still suggested antimicrobial efficacy.