Use of Electrochemical Techniques to Characterize Corrosion Resistance
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Mike Hurley (Mentor), Boise State University
Abstract
Electrochemical testing is an experimental technique used to investigate reactions that occur on the surface of materials. Common electrochemical reactions include corrosion, battery discharge, and catalysis. Standard electrochemical tests are set up using three electrodes all in contact with an electrolyte. For typical corrosion testing the electrodes are the working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode, all placed in liquid solution usually containing chloride ions. Electrochemical methods can accelerate corrosion reactions so corrosion damage that typically takes years to occur can be induced in minutes or hours and studied in the lab. The goals of this research are to explore the basic techniques of electrochemical testing, to gain experience setting up and conducting measurements, and to better understand how accelerated testing for corrosion is conducted. A common structural alloy, Al 6061 T6, will be tested using DC potentiodynamic polarization in 0.6 M NaCl solution. The corrosion performance will be quantified and compared to the performance of other structural alloys in a similar environment.
Use of Electrochemical Techniques to Characterize Corrosion Resistance
Electrochemical testing is an experimental technique used to investigate reactions that occur on the surface of materials. Common electrochemical reactions include corrosion, battery discharge, and catalysis. Standard electrochemical tests are set up using three electrodes all in contact with an electrolyte. For typical corrosion testing the electrodes are the working electrode, a reference electrode, and a counter electrode, all placed in liquid solution usually containing chloride ions. Electrochemical methods can accelerate corrosion reactions so corrosion damage that typically takes years to occur can be induced in minutes or hours and studied in the lab. The goals of this research are to explore the basic techniques of electrochemical testing, to gain experience setting up and conducting measurements, and to better understand how accelerated testing for corrosion is conducted. A common structural alloy, Al 6061 T6, will be tested using DC potentiodynamic polarization in 0.6 M NaCl solution. The corrosion performance will be quantified and compared to the performance of other structural alloys in a similar environment.