Corrosion behavior and microstructure of Al–10Zn alloy with nano CuO addition

Abstract

The present study explores the preparation of Al–10wt.%Zn alloy by the casting process. Nano CuO was prepared by the Co-precipitation method. The effect of adding nanostructure of (1wt.% CuO) to Al–10Zn alloy was studied the corrosion effects as-cast and with different aging temperatures (423, 443, and 463 K) for 2 h in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution after homogenized for 2 h at 500 K at room temperature. Electrochemical measurements (OCP, Tafel, and EIS) were performed to determine the corrosion rate (C.R.) and corrosion current density (Icorr.) to find out corrosion behavior. In addition, microstructures of Al–10Zn and Al–10Zn–1CuO were observed using a scanning electron microscope, EDX mapping, and the optical microscope to investigate the effect of the nanoparticle’s addition before and after aging and the corrosion test. The average crystal size and the dislocation density were calculated from the XRD pattern. The results show that the appropriate addition of CuO nanoparticles can refine the Al–10Zn alloy and shift the Al–10Zn alloy to a more noble direction.

Corrosion suppression and strengthening of the Al-10Zn alloy by adding silica nanorods

“…The dark gray color indicates Al grains. The silica NS, when combined with the base alloy, forms the aggregated white particles 9 , 10 , as seen in Fig. 3 b.…”

“…This phenomenon takes place throughout the process of aging and results in a significant enhancement in the strength of the samples. The zinc deposits serve as nucleation sites for the process of solidification, leading to the formation of a smaller grain size 9 , 10 , 26 .

Figure 3 EDX mapping images, SEM images, and EDX analysis of ( a ) AZ (base alloy) and ( b ) AZS composite.

…”

“…Grain size estimates using the Image J software indicated that fine-refining takes place at all aging temperatures in comparison to the as-cast condition, as shown in Table 2 . The structure of all aged samples was modified by aging, resulting in a more uniform distribution of solutes (Zn and NS), especially in AZS compared to the AZ base alloy 9 , 10 , 27 . The grain orientations of the AZS nanocomposite differ from those of the AZ base alloy, as seen in Fig.…”

“…Increasing its characteristics has been challenging due to their applications, including high surface area, well-defined surface properties, chemical, thermal, and water stability, size and shape tunability, and high loading capability 18 . A previous study 9 , 10 indicates that the Al-10 Zn alloy gains microhardness and misconstrues characteristics when ceramic particles' of TiO 2 , SiO 2 , and CuO are added. The presence of CuO nanoparticles enhances the corrosion resistance of the Al-10 Zn alloy.…”

“…Since further studies focus on aluminum alloys with many destructive configurations, only a few of them address the effects of heat treatments on structures 8 . The aging of aluminum-Zn alloy offers the greatest potential to enhance the strength properties required for aerospace structures 9 by precipitating particles during the supersaturated solid solution transformation. Another intriguing concept is to use nanostructures as reinforcing materials.…”