title: Corrosion of copper in aerated synthetic sea water solutions and its inhibition by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole.
abstract: Corrosion of copper in aerated synthetic sea water (3.5% NaCl) solutions and its inhibition by 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATA) have been studied using electrochemical, gravimetric, and pH measurements, along with Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical measurements indicated that the presence of ATA and the increase of its concentration suppress the corrosion process on the copper surface. This effect decreases cathodic, anodic, and corrosion (jcorr) currents and corrosion rates (Kcorr), while increasing polarization resistance (Rp), surface coverage (theta), and inhibition efficiency (IE%). Weight loss measurements indicated that the dissolution of copper and the accompanying change of pH decreased to a minimum even after 24 days immersion due to the presence of ATA and the increase of its concentration. Raman investigations revealed that the inhibition of copper corrosion is achieved by strong adsorption of ATA molecules onto the copper surface, preventing it from being corroded easily.
authors.affiliation: DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials, Physics Building, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Wits 2050, South Africa. sherife@physics.wits.ac.za
authors.forename: El-Sayed M
authors.initials: el-SM
authors.lastname: Sherif
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Erasmus
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Comins
mesh_terms: D000640:Amitrole / Q000737:chemistry*; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry*; D003343:Corrosion; D004563:Electrochemistry; D004566:Electrodes; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012996:Solutions / Q000737:chemistry; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D012996:Solutions; D003300:Copper; D000640:Amitrole