Simulation study on function mechanism of some precipitates in localized corrosion of Al alloys

The function mechanism of different types of aging precipitates in localized corrosion of Al alloys was studied. The function mechanism of the precipitates of theta (Al2Cu) and eta 1 (MgZn2) is validated. The precipitate of theta containing noble element Cu is cathodic to the alloy base, resulting in the anodic dissolution and corrosion of the alloy base at its adjacent periphery. The precipitate of eta containing active element Mg is anodic to the alloy base, anodic dissolution and corrosion occur on its surface. Meanwhile, a localized corrosion mechanism conversion associated with the precipitate of T1 (Al2CuLi) is advanced, which contains noble element Cu and active element Li simultaneously. The precipitate of T1 is anodic to the alloy base and corrosion occurs on its surface at the beginning. However, during its corrosion process, the preferential dissolution of Li and the enrichment of noble element Cu make its potential move to a positive direction. As a result, the corroded T1 precipitate becomes cathodic to the alloy base at a later stage, leading to the anodic dissolution and corrosion of the alloy base at its adjacent periphery. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.