In situ electrochemical AFM, ex situ IR reflection-absorption and confocal Raman studies of corrosion processes of AA 2024-T3

The corrosion processes of AA 2024 were analysed via the combined approach of advanced in situ and ex situ analytical tools. Firstly, IR reflection-absorption spectroscopy enabled the identification of a pseudo-boehmite layer on initial surface, which remained present also after the ex situ spectroelectrochemical treatment at different potentials. Secondly, formation of oxyhydroxides was confirmed by confocal Raman spectroscopy. To get a deeper insight into the morphology changes, a three-electrode in situ electrochemical AFM cell was constructed. The results of in situ measurements revealed a gradual increase in the surface roughness. Trenching around intermetallic particles and corrosion deposits were also observed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.