Effect of Oxygen Bubbling on the Dissolution of Brass in Acidified Sodium Sulfate Solution under Free Corrosion Conditions

Abstract

The effect of oxygen bubbling on the dissolution of brass was studied. Brass samples were immersed in acidified sodium sulfate solution at different temperatures (25-80 • C) and subjected to bubbled oxygen during the testing period of 7 h. Samples of solution experiment were taken every hour and analyzed for zinc and copper using Inductively Coupled Plazma (ICP) technique. After experiment, sample surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Results show no appreciable dissolution either in inert atmosphere or in open atmosphere without bubbling. On the other hand, oxygen bubbling results in the enhancement of brass dissolution. This enhancement increases largely upon increasing the temperature from 25 to 50 • C. Further increase in temperature has slightly negative effect on dissolution. The results of SEM and EDS support those of ICP.