Microstructure and corrosion evaluations for Al2O3 -leaded brass matrix nanocomposites in marine solution

Hancing the corrosion resistance of various composites is a challenge; however, the mechanical characteristics of composites are usually high without any risks. Thus, in this paper, Al2O3 nanoparticles with various percentages as reinforcements were added to the brass matrix to increase the corrosion resistance. Tafel polarization, elec-trochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and weight loss measurements were performed to investigate the corrosion characteristics of manufactured nanocomposites. Moreover, field emission scanning electron micro-scopy (FESEM) was used to study the surface morphology of nanocomposites before and after exposure of specimens to 0.6 M NaCl solution. FESEM images and the related energy dispersive spectroscopy results showed that Al2O3 nanoparticles were distributed in the alpha-phase of the matrix homogeneously. Corrosion rates of nanocomposite decreased significantly by about 41-99% compared to the matrix without reinforcement. Weight loss measurements showed that the weight loss of nanocomposites at 95 degrees C was lower than that at 25 degrees C. This was attributed to the formation of copper/zinc chloride salts on corroded surfaces.

Automated summary

This paper aims to enhance the corrosion resistance of composites by adding Al2O3 nanoparticles to the brass matrix. Various techniques were used to investigate the corrosion characteristics of the manufactured nanocomposites, and the results showed a significant decrease in corrosion rates compared to the matrix without reinforcement.