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Characterization of Copper Corrosion Products in Drinking Water by Combining Electrochemical and Surface Analyses
Citation:
Kang, Y. C., W. J. van Ooij, AND D. Lytle. Characterization of Copper Corrosion Products in Drinking Water by Combining Electrochemical and Surface Analyses. Presented at 2008 National Association of Corrosion Engineers Corrosion Conference, New Orleans, LA, March 16 - 20, 2008.
Impact/Purpose:
Present issues
Description:
This study focuses on the application of electrochemical approaches to drinking water copper corrosion problems. Applying electrochemical approaches combined with copper solubility measurements, and solid surface analysis approaches were discussed. Tafel extrapolation and Electrochemical Noise (ECN) measurement were carried out to get Stern-Geary constant and noise resistance, respectively. ECN has the advantage in that corrosion behavior can be monitored as a function of extended periods of time without the need to apply an artificial potential which can potentially alter the metal surface in an unnatural way. ECN allows for the prediction of how natural films on the corroding metal surface are impacted by changing water quality conditions. Specific films degradation and changes on copper metal were observed by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Cyclic Potentiodynamic Polarization (CPP) measurements proved to be useful in predicting pitting corrosion tendencies. These electrochemical methods, however, proved to be insufficient to elucidate the surface evolution. The evaluation of this film was carried out X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Time of Flight-Secondary Ions Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).