The Corrosion Properties of Bronze Alloys in NaCl Solutions

Abstract

Chloride ions play an important role in the corrosion of bronze through their active reactivity to copper alloys. The corrosion behavior of bronze alloys in NaCl solution was investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and electrochemical tests, with a special emphasis on the corrosion resistance of the α and δ phases in Cu-20 wt%Sn bronze alloys. The experimental results show that the corrosion current density of Cu-20 wt%Sn bronze alloys increases from 1.1 × 10−7 A/cm2 to 2.7 × 10−6 A/cm2 with the increase in the chloride ion concentration from 10−3 mol/L to 1 mol/L. After a soaking duration of 30 days, the matrix corrosion depth reaches 50 μm. The α phase of the alloys is easily corroded in NaCl solution, while the δ phase with high Sn content has strong corrosion resistance. This study provides relevant data for the analysis and protection of ancient bronze alloys.