Role of Chemical Composition in Corrosion of Aluminum Alloys

Abstract

Aluminum alloys are the most important part of all shaped castings manufactured, especially in the aerospace and automotive industries. This work focuses on the corrosion properties of the heat-hardening aluminum alloys commonly used for production of automotive castings AlSi7Mg0.3 and on self-hardening AlZn10Si8Mg. Iron is a common impurity in aluminum cast alloy and its content increases by using secondary aluminum alloys. Therefore, experimental materials were developed, with chemical composition according to standards (primary alloys) and in states with an increasing content of Fe. The experimental aluminum alloys are briefly discussed in terms of their chemical composition, microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior. Corrosion properties were examined using three types of corrosion tests: exposure test, potentiodynamic tests, and Audi tests. Corrosion characteristics of materials were evaluated using stereo, optical and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, too. Correlation of pit initiation sites with microstructural features revealed the critical role of iron-rich phases, silicon particles and corresponding alloy matrix.