Transient Liquid phase bonding (TLP) has evolved as a viable method of joining difficult-to-weld superalloys with potential of producing joints with comparable mechanical properties to the base material. Although the high temperature properties of aerospace superalloys have been studied extensively, there is little information on the corrosion behaviour of these special class of materials that had been subjected to TLP bonding. In this work, electrochemical assessment of the corrosion behaviour of TLP bonded nickel-based superalloy was performed. Microstructural evaluation of the TLP bonded joint revealed the presence of a centreline eutectic when isothermal solidification was not completed and the corrosion resistance increased with a decrease in this eutectic width. The use of a composite interlayer produces TLP joints with smaller eutectic size and results in complete isothermal solidification in shorter processing time. Complete isothermal solidification, achieved with the composite interlayer, results in a uniform chromium distribution in the joint centre and produced a corrosion performance similar to the as-received cast base metal. It was found that aside from the mere presence of chromium, which is widely recognised as necessary for corrosion resistance, its uniform distribution within the joint region is imperative for achieving adequate corrosion resistance in TLP joints. / May 2016

The potential use of sodium propionate as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in aqueous media is investigated using a range of electrochemical and surface analytical techniques. The use of sodium propionate for the inhibition of mild steel corrosion is discussed, and the effective pH range of sodium propionate using various buffers is investigated. The effectiveness of sodium propionate as an inhibitor for mild steel pitting corrosion in the presence of various concentrations of CI- is studied. The effect of some oxidants, IO3-, BrO3-, NO32- on the anodic behaviour of mild steel in deaerated 0.01M carboxylate solutions of acetate, propionate, formate, succinate and salicylate is investigated. The critical temperature for effective inhibition of mild steel corrosion with sodium propionate is established, and the chemical composition of the film formed on mild steel surface in sodium propionate solution is studied using surface sensitive Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR. The efficiency of sodium propionate is compared to that of conventional inhibitors and a mechanism for the inhibition of mild steel corrosion with sodium propionate is proposed. / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall is a civil structure that has been used for various purposes e.g., supporting bridges, residential or commercial buildings, roadways, railroads etc. In general, MSE wall uses either metal strip, bar or geosynthetics materials as reinforcement. Roger et al. (2010) mentioned that an approximately 57% of the MSE wall constructed in U.S. utilize steel strips as the resources of reinforcement. The usage of metal steel strips is followed by usage of steel bar mats (24%) and geosynthetics grids (18%). Even though MSE walls are designed for a service life of 75 to 100 years, early complication has often been reported. Corrosion of the reinforced steel has been the major cause that afflicts the long-term performance of these walls. The deicing salts used on pavements to melt down snow is one of the major cause of corrosion of these reinforced steels. The aggressiveness of deicers in terms of corrosion of these reinforced steel is studied through the potentiodynamic polarization technique at various concentrations. This study aims to determine the corrosion behavior on galvanized steel and bare steel in presence of individual deicing salt or deicers e.g., sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride and potassium acetate at various (i.e., 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0 M) concentration. Subsequently, the surface morphology was analyzed by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the mineralogical composition was observed through X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). In addition, the corrosivity of two backfill aggregates, natural aggregate and recycled concrete aggregate, was compared. The result shows that the corrosion effect of deicers on reinforced steel depends on its chemical composition and concentration. The SEM imaging showed the presence of micro cracks on the surface of galvanized steel, resulting in pitting corrosion rather than general surficial corrosion. Comparing the corrosion rate of these deicers, the aggressiveness of these deicers on galvanized steel can be arranged in the following order: sodium chloride > calcium chloride > magnesium chloride > potassium acetate. Although sodium chloride was most aggressive for both the steel, the aggressiveness of these deicers on bare steel was different from that of galvanized steel and can be arranged in following order: sodium chloride > magnesium chloride > calcium chloride > potassium acetate. The pH and electrical resistivity of the natural and recycled aggregates were compared with standard provided by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and found to be non-corrosive. The corrosion rate of both the aggregates on galvanized and bare steel were inappreciable. While analyzing the corrosiveness of these two aggregates, recycled concrete aggregate was observed to be more aggressive than the natural aggregate.

It is projected that by 2020, there will be 138 million Americans over 45, the age at which the increased incidence of heart diseases is documented. Many will require stents. This multi-billion dollar industry, with over 2 million patients worldwide, 15% of whom use Nitinol stents have experienced a decline in sales recently, due in part to thrombosis. It is a sudden blood clot that forms inside stents. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration and American Heart Association are calling for a new generation of stents, new designs and different alloys that are more adaptable to the arteries. The future of Nitinol therefore depends on a better understanding of the mechanisms by which Nitinol surfaces can be rendered stable and inert. In this investigation, binary and ternary Nitinol alloys were prepared and subjected to various surface treatments such as electropolishing (EP), magnetoelectropolishing (MEP) and water boiling & passivation (W&P). In vitro corrosion tests were conducted on Nitinol alloys in accordance with ASTM F 2129-08. The metal ions released into the electrolyte during corrosion tests were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Biocompatibility was assessed by observing the growth of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) on the surface of Nitinol alloys. Static and dynamic immersion tests were performed by immersing the Nitinol alloys in cell culture media and measuring the amount of metal ions released in solution. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays were performed to elucidate the effect of metal ions on the growth of HUVEC cells. The surfaces of the alloys were studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) respectively. Finally, wettability and surface energy were measured by Contact Angle Meter, whereas surface roughness was measured by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). All the surface treated alloys exhibited high resistance to corrosion when compared with untreated alloys. SRB assays revealed that Ni and Cu ions exhibited greater toxicity than Cr, Ta and Ti ions on HUVEC cells. EP and MEP alloys possessed relatively smooth surfaces and some were composed of nickel oxides instead of elemental nickel as determined by XPS. MEP exhibited lowest surface energy and lowest surface roughness.

No description available.

O uso de revestimentos protetores consiste na alternativa mais utilizada para a eliminação ou diminuição dos processos corrosivos nos aços, bem como no alumínio e suas ligas, que apresentam uma ampla gama de aplicações, principalmente na indústria aeronáutica, devido à alta razão resistência/peso e, cujas vidas úteis podem ser comprometidas pela corrosão. Neste trabalho foram produzidos revestimentos a base de sílica e titânia obtidos pelo processo sol-gel em substratos constituídos de aço AISI 1045 e liga de alumínio AA7075, para a proteção à corrosão em ambiente salino. As amostras foram revestidas por imersão (dip-coating) utilizando-se dois tipos de soluções compostas por Tetraetil-Ortosilicato (TEOS) mais 3-Trimetoxisilil-Propil-Metacrilato (TMSPM) (S1) e por Isopropóxido de Titânio (IPT) mais 3-Trimetoxisilil-Propil-Metacrilato (TMSPM) (S2). Tais amostras foram previamente submetidas a pré-tratamentos a 50°C durante 8 horas, para a evaporação dos compostos voláteis e curadas a 60, 100 e a 130°C, por 1, 2 e 3 horas em cada temperatura. As caracterizações foram realizadas por microscopias óptica e eletrônica de varredura, riscamento e ensaios de polarização potenciodinâmicas em NaCl (3,5%). Foram obtidos revestimentos homogêneos em ambos os substratos, que resultaram em todos os casos um grande aumento na resistência à corrosão, em comparação com os respectivos substratos. Os revestimentos curados na temperatura superior (130°C) foram os mais resistentes ao riscamento e proporcionaram as melhores resistências à corrosão em ambos os substratos. / Protective coatings are the most widely used alternative to control the corrosive processes in steel and aluminum alloys. These material exhibit a wide range of applications, especially in the aircraft industry due to the high strength/weight ratio but their performance can be compromised by corrosion. In this work silica and titania based coatings were produced by a sol-gel process and applied on AISI 1045 steel and AA7075 aluminum alloy substrates, seeking for corrosion protection in a saline environment. The samples were coated by dipping using two types of solutions: a) a mix of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) with 3-trimethoxysilyl-propyl methacrylate (TMSPM) (S1) and b) a mix of titanium isopropoxide (IPT) with 3 -Trimetoxisilil-Propyl methacrylate (TMSPM) (S2). The samples were then subjected to a pre-treatment at 50°C for 8 hours to evaporate the volatile compounds and then cured at 60, 100 and 130°C for 1, 2 and 3 hours at each temperature. The samples were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, scratching tests and potentiodynamic polarization tests in NaCl (3.5%). Both solutions produced homogeneous coatings on both substrates, resulting in a large increase in the corrosion resistances, when compared to the respective substrates. Coatings cured at highest temperature (130°C) were the most scratch resistance and provided the best corrosion resistance in both substrates.

O uso de revestimentos protetores consiste na alternativa mais utilizada para a eliminação ou diminuição dos processos corrosivos nos aços, bem como no alumínio e suas ligas, que apresentam uma ampla gama de aplicações, principalmente na indústria aeronáutica, devido à alta razão resistência/peso e, cujas vidas úteis podem ser comprometidas pela corrosão. Neste trabalho foram produzidos revestimentos a base de sílica e titânia obtidos pelo processo sol-gel em substratos constituídos de aço AISI 1045 e liga de alumínio AA7075, para a proteção à corrosão em ambiente salino. As amostras foram revestidas por imersão (dip-coating) utilizando-se dois tipos de soluções compostas por Tetraetil-Ortosilicato (TEOS) mais 3-Trimetoxisilil-Propil-Metacrilato (TMSPM) (S1) e por Isopropóxido de Titânio (IPT) mais 3-Trimetoxisilil-Propil-Metacrilato (TMSPM) (S2). Tais amostras foram previamente submetidas a pré-tratamentos a 50°C durante 8 horas, para a evaporação dos compostos voláteis e curadas a 60, 100 e a 130°C, por 1, 2 e 3 horas em cada temperatura. As caracterizações foram realizadas por microscopias óptica e eletrônica de varredura, riscamento e ensaios de polarização potenciodinâmicas em NaCl (3,5%). Foram obtidos revestimentos homogêneos em ambos os substratos, que resultaram em todos os casos um grande aumento na resistência à corrosão, em comparação com os respectivos substratos. Os revestimentos curados na temperatura superior (130°C) foram os mais resistentes ao riscamento e proporcionaram as melhores resistências à corrosão em ambos os substratos. / Protective coatings are the most widely used alternative to control the corrosive processes in steel and aluminum alloys. These material exhibit a wide range of applications, especially in the aircraft industry due to the high strength/weight ratio but their performance can be compromised by corrosion. In this work silica and titania based coatings were produced by a sol-gel process and applied on AISI 1045 steel and AA7075 aluminum alloy substrates, seeking for corrosion protection in a saline environment. The samples were coated by dipping using two types of solutions: a) a mix of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) with 3-trimethoxysilyl-propyl methacrylate (TMSPM) (S1) and b) a mix of titanium isopropoxide (IPT) with 3 -Trimetoxisilil-Propyl methacrylate (TMSPM) (S2). The samples were then subjected to a pre-treatment at 50°C for 8 hours to evaporate the volatile compounds and then cured at 60, 100 and 130°C for 1, 2 and 3 hours at each temperature. The samples were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy, scratching tests and potentiodynamic polarization tests in NaCl (3.5%). Both solutions produced homogeneous coatings on both substrates, resulting in a large increase in the corrosion resistances, when compared to the respective substrates. Coatings cured at highest temperature (130°C) were the most scratch resistance and provided the best corrosion resistance in both substrates.

The initiation of pitting corrosion on AISI 316 stainless steel has been examined from a phenomenological viewpoint with emphasis on the role of the metal in this complex, interaction. A modified potentiodynamic technique was used to prepare specimens corresponding with a series of different points on the anodic polarisation curve for the material in 0.05 M sulphuric acid alone and with additions of 0.1 M sodium chloride solutions-. The specimens were subsequently examined using standard metallographic, techniques. It was found that suitable pit nuclei, called 'pit sites', are manifest as a result of the initial interaction of the metal with the solution at the rest potential, (ER), i.e., at potentials far below the potential range in which catastrophic pitting processes normally occur. It was further found that these pit sites were manifest even in the absence of chloride ions for which there is no subsequent catastrophic pitting process, Estimation of pit site density (NA) for the different stages of the E-i curve and the use of a simple stereological model permit a statistical interpretation of the localisation of the phenomenon to particular areas of the metal surface. The statistical argument is extended to show that the breakdown potential for chloride media is associated with the development of a catastrophic condition which does not apply if chloride ions are absent and it is deduced that the breakdown potential is essentially indeterminate.

The corrosion performance of Al-Cu and Al-Mg alloys with and without Li additions have been investigated. These include; AA2024-T3, AA2099-T8E77 (coarse and fine grain structure), AA5083-T351, spray formed Al-Mg-Li and spray formed Al-Mg-Li-Cu-Zn alloy. Atmospheric corrosion was investigated for up to 12 months of exposure in a rural-urban environment, prolonged immersion testing in 3.5 wt.% NaCl for up to 96 hr s and potentiodynamic polarisation in 3.5 wt.% NaCl were examined. This was to answer whether Li additions, spray forming and grain size impacted on the corrosion resistance. Atmospheric exposure showed Al2(CO3)3, NOx, SOx and NaCl compounds being deposited. Cathodic intermetallic compounds (Fe, Si, Mn and Cu rich) were shown to be associated with pitting corrosion, whereas anodic intermetallic compounds (Mg rich) offered sacrificial protection to the matrix. The Al-Cu alloys showed more corrosion compared to the Al-Mg alloys in all three corrosion investigations. The Al-Cu alloys showed pitting corrosion and intergranular corrosion, compared to primarily pitting corrosion on the Al-Mg alloys. AA2024-T3 developed a weakened, friable layer on the surface, consisting of a network of intergranular corrosion and numerous shallow pits. The Al-Cu-Li alloys also showed intergranular corrosion and pitting corrosion, but also developed selective grain dissolution, leading to extensive sub-surface cavities. This showed that Li additions in the Al-Cu alloys was detrimental and was primarily associated with the T type phases likely to be; T1 phase (Al2CuLi). Li additions in the Al-Mg alloys did not show any measurable improvement or reduction in corrosion resistance. Spray forming also did not appear to improve the corrosion resistance. Grain size in turn was shown to impact on corrosion resistance, with the general consensus being that finer grains offer increased corrosion resistances. Al-Cu alloys showed fine grain structures developed easy path propagation for intergranular corrosion, whereas fine grain structures on Al-Mg alloys promoted increased corrosion resistance.

Chromium passivation treatment on tinplate is important in stabilising the active tin surface in terms of oxidation resistance, sulphide stain resistance and ensuring good lacquer adhesion properties. Through this research, the reason was explored why dip passivation treatment, in sodium dichromate, provides superior lacquer adhesion properties on tinplate compared to electrolytic sodium dichromate (CDC) treatments. A critical assessment of the current knowledge of chromium passivation treatments on tinplate formed the basis of the experimental work. Through electrochemical and surface analytical techniques (X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Auger Electron Spectroscopy) both dip and CDC treated tinplate surfaces were characterised in terms of surface species. It was shown through XPS, using angle resolved techniques, that no metallic chromium forms on the tinplate surface during CDC treatments. Furthermore, a difference in chromium surface species was established for the dip and CDC processes showing additional SnO and Cr(OH)3.nH2O species for the latter. Complementary to these findings, it was verified that the formation of additional chromium hydroxide species is a function of pH, governed by the applied cathodic current during the CDC process itself. The inferior adhesion properties of CDC treated tinplate were shown to be related to the difference in the respective surface species formed during dip and CDC applications. Copyright 2004, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. Please cite as follows: Biermann, MC 2004, A critical assessment of the current understanding of chromium passivation treatments in tinplate, MSc dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-04172007-123305 / > / Dissertation (MSc(Applied Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering / unrestricted