<p>In order to extend the applications of aluminium, organic coatings may be applied on sheet materials, for instance for corrosion protection or aesthetic surface finish purposes in the automotive and construction industries, or on foil materials in the flexible packaging industry.</p><p>The most common mechanisms for deterioration and structural failure of organically coated aluminium structures are triggered by exposures to the surrounding environment. Despite the great importance to elucidate the influence of exposure parameters on a buried aluminium/polymer interface, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the mechanisms that destabilise the structure. It is generally believed that a detailed <i>in situ</i> analysis of the transport of corroding species to the buried interface, or of surface processes occurring therein, is most difficult to perform at relevant climatic and real-time conditions.</p><p>In this work, Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) in the Kretschmann-ATR configuration was successfully applied to <i>in situ</i> studies of the transport of water and ionic species through polymer films to the aluminium/polymer interface upon exposure to ultra pure deionised water and to a 1 M sodium thiocyanate (NaSCN) model electrolyte. Other main processes distinguished were the formation of corrosion products on the aluminium surface and swelling of the surface-near polymer network. Hence, <i>in situ</i> ATR-FTIR was capable to separate deterioration-related processes from each other.</p><p>To perform more unambiguous interpretations, a spectro-electrochemical method was also developed for<i> in situ</i> studies of the buried aluminium/polymer interface by integrating the ATR-FTIR technique with a complementary acting technique, Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). While transport of water and electrolyte through the polymer film to the aluminium/polymer interface and subsequent oxidation/corrosion of aluminium could be followed by ATR-FTIR, the protective properties of the polymer as well as of processes at the aluminium surface were simultaneously studied by EIS. The integrated set-up provided complementary information of the aluminium/polymer sample investigated, with ATR-FTIR being sensitive to the surface-near region and EIS being sensitive to the whole system. While oxidation/corrosion and delamination are difficult to distinguish by EIS, oxide formation could be confirmed by ATR-FTIR. Additionally, while delamination and polymer swelling may be difficult to separate with ATR-FTIR, EIS distinguished swelling of the polymer network and also identified ultimate failure as a result of delamination.</p><p>The capability of the integrated ATR-FTIR / EIS <i>in situ</i> technique was explored by studying aluminium/polymer systems of varying characteristics. Differences in water and electrolyte ingress could be monitored, as well as metal corrosion, polymer swelling and delamination.</p>

Environmental and economic reasons have lead automotive companies towards the direction of EVs and HEVs. Stricter emission legislations along with the consumer needs for more cost-efficient and environmental friendly vehicles have increased immensely the amount of hybrid and electric vehicles available in the market. It is essential though for Li-ion batteries, the main propulsion force of EVs and HEVs, to be able to read the battery characteristics in a high accuracy manner, predict life expectancy and behaviour and act accordingly. The following thesis constitutes a concept study of a battery diagnostics method. The method is based on the notion of a pseudo-random binary signal used as the current input and from its voltage response, the impedance is used for the estimation of parameters such as the state of charge and more. The feasibility of the PRBS method at a battery cell has been examined through various tests, both in an experimental manner at the lab but also in a simulation manner. The method is compared for validation against the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method which is being used as a reference. For both the experimental and the simulation examinations, the PRBS method has been validated and proven to work. No matter the change in the parameters of the system, the method behaves in a similar manner as in the reference EIS method. The level of detail in the research and the performed experiments is what makes the significance of the results of high importance. The method in all ways has been proven to work in the concept study and based on the findings, if implemented on an EV’s or HEV’s electric drive line and the same functionality is observed, be used as a diagnostics method of the battery of the vehicle.

The Greater than Class C (GTCC) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) evaluated the potential impacts from the construction and operation of a new facility or facilities, or use of an existing facility, employing various disposal methods (geologic repository, intermediate depth borehole, enhanced near surface trench, and above grade vault) at six federal sites and generic commercial locations. For three of the locations being considered as possible locations, consulting tribes were brought in to comment on their perceptions on how GTCC low level radioactive waste would affect Native American resources (land, water, air, plants, animals, archaeology, etc.) short and long term. The consulting tribes produced essays that were incorporated into the EIS and these essays are in turn included in this collection. This essay was produced by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising power generation devices due to its high efficiency and low pollutant emissions. SOFCs operate with a wide range of fuels from hydrogen (H2) to hydrocarbons, and are mainly intended for stationary power generation. Compared to combustion systems, SOFCs have significantly lower environmental impacts. However, the full scale commercialization of SOFCs is impeded by high cost and problems associated with long-term performance and durability. The cell performance can be affected by various internal losses, involving cathode, anode and electrolyte. Anodic losses make a significant contribution to the overall losses, practically in anode-supported cells. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the anodic losses in order to enhance the overall cell performance. Knowledge of the actual elementary reaction steps and kinetics of electrochemical reactions taking place on the anode is critical for further improvement of the anode performance. Since H2 and carbon monoxide (CO) are the primary reforming products when hydrocarbons are used as SOFC fuels, investigation of electrochemical reactions involving H2 and CO should provide a better understanding of SOFC electrochemical behavior with hydrocarbon feeds. However, still exist uncertainties concerning both H2 and CO electrochemical reactions. The overall objective of this research is to investigate the mechanistic details of H2 and CO electrochemical reactions on SOFC anodes. To achieve this objective, Ni/YSZ pattern anodes were used in the experimental study and as model anodes for the simulation work due to their simplified 2-D structure. The Ni/YSZ pattern anodes were fabricated using a bi-layer resist lift-off method. Imaging resist nLOF2035 and sacrificial resist PGMI SF11 were found to be effective in the bi-layer photolithographic process. Suitable undercut size was found critical for successful pattern fabrication. A simple method, involving taking microscopic photographs of photoresist pattern was developed, to check if the undercut size is large enough for the lift-off; semi-circle wrinkles observable in photographs indicate whether the undercut is big enough for successful pattern anode fabrication. The final product prepared by this method showed straight and clear Ni patterns. A systematic study was performed to determine the stable conditions for Ni/YSZ pattern anode performance. The microstructure and electrochemical behavior changes of the pattern anode were evaluated as a function of Ni thickness, temperature and H2O content in H2 environment. Ni/YSZ pattern anodes with 0.5 µm thick Ni were tested in dry H2 at 550°C without significantly changing the TPB line. Ni/YSZ pattern anodes with Ni thickness of 0.8 µm were tested at 550°C under dry and humidified H2 (3-70% H2O) conditions without TPB line change. For 0.8 µm thick patterns, the TPB length showed pronounced changes in the presence of H2 with 3-70% H2O at 700°C. Significant increase in TPB length due to hole formation was observed at 800°C with 3% and 10% H2O. Ni/YSZ pattern anodes with 1.0 µm thick Ni were stable in H2 with 3% H2O in the range 500-800°C, with only slight changes in the TPB line. Changes of TPB line and Ni microstructure were observed in the presence of 3-70% H2O above 700C. Stabilization of the pattern anode performance depends on temperature. To accelerate stabilization of the cell, pre-treatment of the cell in H2 with 3% H2O for ~22 hrs at 750°C or 800°C could be performed. In addition, comprehensive data sets for H2 and CO electrochemical oxidation reactions on Ni/YSZ pattern anodes were obtained under stable test conditions. For the H2/H2O system, the polarization resistance (Rp) increases as temperature, overpotential, H2 partial pressure, TPB length decreases. Rp is also dependent on H2O content. When the H2O content is between 3% and 30-40%, Rp decreased with increasing H2O content. However, Rp is less affected with further increases in H2O content. For the CO/CO2 system, polarization resistance depends on partial pressure of CO and CO2, temperature and overpotential. Moreover, the polarization resistance decreases when the partial pressure of CO2 and temperature increase. The partial pressure of CO has a positive effect on the polarization resistance. The polarization resistance decreases to a minimum when the overpotential is 0.1 V. For both H2 and CO electrochemical oxidations, charge transfer reactions contribute to the rate limiting steps. A 1-D dynamic SOFC half-cell model considering multiple elementary reaction kinetics was developed. The model describes elementary chemical reactions, electrochemical reactions and surface diffusion on Ni/YSZ pattern anodes. A new charge transfer reactions mechanism proposed by Shishkin and Ziegler (2010) based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) was investigated through kinetic modeling and pattern anode experimental validation. This new mechanism considers hydrogen oxidation at the interface of Ni and YSZ. It involves a hydrogen atom reacting with the oxygen ions bound to both Ni and YSZ to produce hydroxyl (charge transfer reaction 1), which then reacts with the other hydrogen atom to form water (charge transfer reaction 2). The predictive capability of this reaction mechanism to represent our experimental results was evaluated. The simulated Tafel plots were compared with our experimental data for a wide range of H2 and H2O partial pressures and at different temperatures. Good agreements between simulations and experimental results were obtained. Charge transfer reaction 1 was found to be rate-determining under cathodic polarization. Under anodic polarization, a change in rate-limiting process from charge transfer reaction 1 to charge transfer reaction 2 was found when increasing the H2O partial pressure. Surface diffusion was not found to affect the H2 electrochemical performance.

Benzotriazole (BTAH) has been used as a corrosion inhibitor for copper and copper-, based alloys for more than 40 years. It has been successfully employed for the, prevention of both atmospheric corrosion and particularly for the protection of, copper under immersed conditions. Whilst BTAH is an excellent inhibitor in alkaline, solution its efficiency drops off markedly as the pH decreases. It was hypothesized, that a possible way to increase surface adsorption and subsequent better inhibition, over a wide pH range might be through the preparation of derivatives, particularly, carboxybenzotriazoles and alkyl esters of these compounds. In this work the following techniques: weight loss measurements, potentiodynamic, polarisation, SERS spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and, coulometry were employed to investigate the inhibition efficiency of 4- and 5-, carboxybenzotriazole and their alkyl ester for copper corrosion. Molecular modelling, was also investigated as a tool for inhibitor design. Studies on 4- and 5- carboxybenzotriazole (CBT) showed that the inhibition, efficiency for copper corrosion in aerated acidic sulphate solution of each isomer was, pH, concentration and time dependant. At lower pH the 5-isomer is the better, inhibitor and this behaviour continues at higher pH. The anti-tarnishing test showed, that whilst both isomers exhibited these properties, 5-CBT was once again the, superior inhibitor. It was found that a commercial mixture of the octyl esters of 4- and 5-, carboxybenzotriazole inhibits copper corrosion in sulphate environments open to air., The inhibition efficiency of the ester mixture at the lx10-4 M level (pH - 0) is 98%, which compares very favourably with that for BTAH (- 50%). With respect to other, alkyl esters of 4- and 5-carboxybezotriazole, hexyl, butyl and methyl, it was found, that all of these inlibited copper corrosion in sulphate environments open to air. In, each case the inhibition efficiency is concentration, pH and time dependent. Both, coupon tests and EIS measurements indicate that inhibition efficiency depends on the, length of the alkyl chain. At pH - 0 the inhibition efficiency decreased in the order, octyl &gthexyl &gtbutyl &gtmethyl. At higher pH (- 8) the order is reversed. At the 1x104, M level (pH - 0) the inhibition efficiency of each of the alkyl esters is equal to or, better than that for BTAH. At higher pH (- 8) the inhibition efficiency in each case is, reduced in comparison to BTAH. but is still good enough for practical use ( 2 75%)., The inhibitive behaviour of the alkyl esters at low pH can be attributed to, chemisorption through an azole nitrogen of the protonated alkyl esters. The, hydrocarbon chain is also physically adsorbed and the increase in physical adsorption, as the chain is lengthened accounts for the improved inhibition efficiency. Dry films formed by immersing copper in solutions of alkyl esters of, carboxybenzotriazole also inhibit copper corrosion in both strongly acidic (pH - 0), and near neutral (pH - S) sulphate corrodents. The inhibition efficiency depends on, the solvents used to dissolve the esters, solution temperature and immersion time., Aqueous coating solutions furnish the most protective films. Films formed by, CBTAH-BU, CBTAH-HE and CBTAH-OE are more protective than that formed by, BTAH. The inhibition efficiency of the alkyl ester film increases as the alkyl chain is, made longer. Molecular modeling showed that the optimum crude binding energy (Eblnd), between each protonated ester molecule and the surface varied linearly with the alkyl, chain length. The resulting linear correlation between IE% and E bind for compounds, that are structurally similar suggested that the crude binding energy of a single, molecule with copper may be used to predict the inhibition performance of other, compounds constituting a series.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universität Bremen, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. [153]-161).

Zugl.: München, Techn. Univ., Diss., 2008

Heidelberg, Univ., Diss., 2007.

Techn. Universiẗat, Diss., 2004--Darmstadt.

Les alliages de magnésium représentent une alternative à l’utilisation d’alliages d’aluminium ou de matériaux composites, en particulier dans le secteur aéronautique dans l’objectif de réduire la masse des structures. Ces travaux de thèse ont pour but de participer au développement de nouvelles méthodes de protection des alliages de magnésium, plus efficaces et respectueuses de l’environnement. Pour mener à bien ces travaux, des techniques électrochimiques, en particulier la spectroscopie d’impédance électrochimique, ont été couplées à des mesures par microscopie à force atomique (AFM), à des analyses par spectroscopie d’émission atomique à plasma induit (ICP-AES) et par spectroscopie de masse d’ions secondaires à temps de vol (Tof-SIMS) ainsi que des essais normalisés industriels. Tout d’abord, la résistance à la corrosion en milieu Na2SO4 de trois alliages de magnésium contenant des terres rares (WE43, EV31 et ZE41) a été étudiée et comparée à celle de deux alliages riches en aluminium (AZ31 et AZ91) et à celle du magnésium pur. Pour tous les alliages, il a été montré que les particules intermétalliques agissent comme des cathodes locales. Cet effet de couplage galvanique est plus marqué pour les particules riches en terres rares, en particulier dans le cas de l’alliage EV31. Conjointement, la corrosion est contrôlée par la dissolution de la matrice riche en magnésium et par le recouvrement progressif de la surface métallique par un film d’oxydes/hydroxydes. Ce film est plus protecteur pour les alliages que pour le magnésium pur mais cet effet bénéfique n’est toutefois pas suffisant pour compenser le rôle néfaste joué par les particules intermétalliques. Au final, l’ajout de terres rares augmente la vitesse de corrosion des alliages de magnésium en milieu Na2SO4 par rapport à celle des alliages AZ ou celle du magnésium pur. Dans le cas de l’alliage WE43, qui a été retenu pour la suite de l’étude, il a été montré que le film protecteur d’oxydes est plus mince et plus stable que celui formé sur le Mg pur, en particulier en présence d’ions chlorure. Ces résultats ont été expliqués par l’incorporation des éléments d’alliages, comme l’yttrium, qui serait responsable de la formation d’un film d’oxydes plus compact. Puis, plusieurs méthodes de protection ont été envisagées dans le but d’obtenir une résistance à la corrosion compatible avec les exigences de l’industrie aéronautique. Un traitement d’anodisation, développé par la société Prodem et appelé CEP, en combinaison avec plusieurs primaires de peinture sans chromate, proposés par la société Mapaéro (hydrodiluable ou haut-extrait sec) ont été évalués et comparés aux solutions de référence chromatées. Il a été montré que les traitements de conversion actuels, même en présence de primaire chromaté, ne permettent pas une protection efficace des alliages de magnésium. Le traitement CEP, de par sa structure poreuse, permet une bonne adhésion avec les primaires. Les meilleures performances ont été obtenues pour le traitement CEP revêtu par le primaire haut-extrait sec. Des analyses supplémentaires ont montré que l’ajout d’un vernis permettait d’obtenir un système de protection prometteur pour le remplacement des systèmes de référence sur la base des exigences clés aéronautiques. / Magnesium alloys represent an alternative to aluminum alloys and composite materials – especially in the aeronautic sector with the aim of reducing the structural mass. The main goal of this thesis is to participate in the development of new protection methods that would be more efficient and environmentally-friendly. To this end, electrochemical techniques – such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) – were used together with atomic force microscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry and standardized industrial tests. First, the corrosion resistance in Na2SO4 solution of three magnesium alloys containing rare earths (WE43, EV31 and ZE41) was studied and compared to those of two aluminum-rich magnesium alloys (AZ31 and AZ91) and pure magnesium. For all the alloys, it was shown that intermetallic particles act as local cathodes. This galvanic coupling was stronger in the case of rare earths magnesium alloys, especially for the EV31 alloy. Their corrosion was controlled at the same time by the dissolution of magnesium-rich matrix and by the progressive covering of the alloy surface by an oxides/hydroxides layer. This film was more protective in the case of the alloys; but it is not sufficient to counterbalance the detrimental effect of intermetallic particles. Ultimately, the addition of rare earths increases the corrosion rate of magnesium alloys in Na2SO4 solution compared to aluminum magnesium alloys or pure magnesium. Concerning the WE43 alloy, it was shown that the protective oxide film was thinner and more stable than the one formed on pure magnesium, especially in the presence of chloride ions. These results were explained by the incorporation of alloying elements, like yttrium, that should be responsible of the formation of a more compact film. Then, several protection methods were considered to obtain a corrosion-resistant system that would be compatible with key requirements of the aeronautic industry. The combination of the anodization treatment developed by Prodem Company, called CEP, and the water-based or high-solid coatings offered by Mapaero Company was assessed and compared to classical chromated coatings. It was concluded that current chemical conversion treatments did not provide enough protection for magnesium alloys. The CEP treatment porous morphology acts as an efficient primer base. The best performances were obtained for the CEP treatment in combination with high solid chromate-free coatings. Complementary analysis showed that, with an additional varnish layer, the developed protection system is compatible with aeronautic key requirements.