Applicability of EIS for evaluation of corrosion resistance of aluminum flakes

Abstract

Purpose The conventional method for evaluation of corrosion resistance of aluminum flakes is based on the volume of evolved hydrogen in acidic and basic environments. This study aims to introduce electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as a method to evaluate corrosion resistance of aluminum flakes. Design/methodology/approach Aluminum flakes with different surface modifications were compressed to build a disk. Then, the disks were examined by EIS in NaCl solution. Also, the corrosion resistance of the flakes was evaluated by the conventional method. Findings The results revealed applicability of EIS for evaluation of corrosion resistance of aluminum flakes. Originality/value Application of EIS to evaluate corrosion resistance of aluminum flakes is novel. As it can provide fast, reliable and quantitative estimation of the corrosion resistance of the aluminum flakes in the 3.5 per cent NaCl solution. This medium is highly encountered for the aluminum flakes used in organic coatings, that is why test in NaCl solution is more convenient compared to the conventional methods using acid and alkaline conditions.