Corrosion matrix

The stability of buried metals largely depends on a combination of pH and redox (Edwards 1996). Under high redox values (oxidizing conditions) most metals will easily corrode, whereas under low redox values (reducing conditions) they will tend to remain as uncorroded metal. In addition, acidic conditions (low pH) will assist corrosion, whereas alkaline conditions will tend result in the formation of a stable corrosion matrix in most metals. Thus, in a well-drained, acidic sand or gravel site, all metals except the most inert (e.g., gold) will corrode rapidly and extensively. However, under most other burial conditions, most metal will be capable of recovery, albeit in a corroded state even after many centuries. 

Ferrous corrosion products do not have a biocidal effect however, iron corrosion tends to form a much more extensive and encapsulating matrix. This corrosion matrix, which is principally formed of iron oxides, hydroxides, and soil minerals, will encapsulate any organic materials. This usually takes the form of a negative cast (Keepax 1975), provided that the primary layer of corrosion product has been laid down prior to any extensive degradation of the organic material, then fine surface detail will be preserved in the corrosion cast. Because the iron corrosion will not inhibit degradation... 

The use of a headspace injection technique may be preferable if the analytes are contained within a non-volatile or corrosive matrix that cannot be injected directly (perfume in a washing powder, for example). The basic principle of headspace injection is the delivery of a volume of vapour from the space above the sample material to the GC column. This can be achieved in several ways ... 

Furfural can be classified as a reactive solvent. It resiniftes in the presence of strong acid the reaction is accelerated by heat. Furfural is an excellent solvent for many organic materials, especially resins and polymers. On catalyzation and curing of such a solution, a hard rigid matrix results, which does not soften on heating and is not affected by most solvents and corrosive chemicals. 

The enhanced strength and corrosion properties of duplex stainless steels depend on maintaining equal amounts of the austenite and ferrite phases. The welding thermal cycle can dismpt this balance therefore, proper weld-parameter and filler metal selection is essential. Precipitation-hardened stainless steels derive their additional strength from alloy precipitates in an austenitic or martensitic stainless steel matrix. To obtain weld properties neat those of the base metal, these steels are heat treated after welding. 

Atmospheric corrosion is electrochemical ia nature and depends on the flow of current between anodic and cathodic areas. The resulting attack is generally localized to particular features of the metallurgical stmcture. Features that contribute to differences ia potential iaclude the iatermetaUic particles and the electrode potentials of the matrix. The electrode potentials of some soHd solutions and iatermetaUic particles are shown ia Table 26. Iron and sUicon impurities ia commercially pure aluminum form iatermetaUic coastitueat particles that are cathodic to alumiaum. Because the oxide film over these coastitueats may be weak, they can promote electrochemical attack of the surrounding aluminum matrix. The superior resistance to corrosion of high purity aluminum is attributed to the small number of these constituents. 

Refractories. Calcined alumina is used in the bond matrix to improve the refractoriness, high temperature strength/creep resistance, and abrasion/corrosion resistance of refractories (1,2,4,7). The normal, coarse (2 to 5 )J.m median) crystalline, nominally 100% a-Al202, calcined aluminas ground to 95% —325 mesh mesh are used to extend the particle size distribution of refractory mixes, for alumina enrichment, and for reaction with... 

Cement and Concrete Concrete is an aggregate of inert reinforcing particles in an amorphous matrix of hardened cement paste. Concrete made of portland cement has limited resistance to acids and bases and will fail mechanically following absorption of crystalforming solutions such as brines and various organics. Concretes made of corrosion-resistant cements (such as calcium aluminate) can be selected for specific chemical exposures. 

Dispersion-strengthened lead (DSL), obtained by a uniform dispersion of lead oxide through the lead particle matrix, has the traditional corrosion resistance of lead but much greater stiffness. DSL is fabrieated as pipe and other extruded items, but has a limited applieation for proeess plant construction because the welding technique does not provide adequate strengths in joints. 

Carbide-based cermets have particles of carbides of tungsten, chromium, and titanium. Tungsten carbide in a cobalt matrix is used in machine parts requiring very high hardness such as wire-drawing dies, valves, etc. Chromium carbide in a cobalt matrix has high corrosion and abrasion resistance it also has a coefficient of thermal expansion close to that of steel, so is well-suited for use in valves. Titanium carbide in either a nickel or a cobalt matrix is often used in high-temperature applications such as turbine parts. Cermets are also used as nuclear reactor fuel elements and control rods. Fuel elements can be uranium oxide particles in stainless steel ceramic, whereas boron carbide in stainless steel is used for control rods. 

C. Permeability of the matrix material to corrosive agent such as water... 

Localised corrosion can occur if the passivating element of an alloy is locally depleted from the matrix. This may occur in the sensitized regions of stainless steels for example, as outlined above. Other alloy components too. 

The most satisfactory solution to this problem is to employ a corrosion-resistant alloy, and alloys of the gun-metal type, containing 2-4% zinc, have proved completely satisfactory. The substitution of zinc for phosphorus gives sounder castings and improves the corrosion resistance of the copper-rich matrix. 

Multiphase gold or palladium-based alloys never show dissolution of Au or Pd but often exhibit progressive surface ennoblement due to selective dissolution of copper or silver from the outer 2-3 atomic layers Heat treatment often decomposes multicomponent alloys into a Pd-Cu rich compound and an Ag-rich matrix with corrosion of the latter phase in deaerated artificial saliva and S -containing media . Au-Cu-rich lamellae have similarly been observed, again with preferential attack on Ag-rich phases or matrix. These effects presumably arise from the ability of the noble alloy phases to catalyse the cathodic reduction of oxygen . 

Graphitic corrosion is associated with the presence of graphite flakes in the iron matrix, and results in the local replacement of iron by plugs of graphite and corrosion products. 

The addition of about 20% nickel to cast iron produces materials with a stable austenitic structure these materials are sometimes known as austenitic cast irons but are more often referred to commercially as Ni-Resist cast irons. The austenitic matrix of these irons gives rise to very different mechanical and physical properties to those obtained with the nickel-free grey cast irons. The austenitic matrix is more noble than the matrix of unalloyed grey irons and it was shown in the early work of Vanick and Merica that the corrosion resistance of cast iron increases with increasing nickel content up to about 20% (Fig. 3.42). 

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