Corrosion-resistance promoters

Optimum surface roughness usually is 0.05—0.5 pm a very smooth surface contains very Htde lubricant within its depressions, whereas rough peaks penetrate the lubricant to promote wear. Improved corrosion resistance may be obtained with a suitable subcoating surface conversion treatment or by inclusion of inhibitors in the coating. 

It is hardly surprising that the preparation of surfaces of plain specimens for stress-corrosion tests can sometimes exert a marked influence upon results. Heat treatments carried out on specimens after their preparation is otherwise completed can produce barely perceptible changes in surface composition, e.g. decarburisation of steels or dezincification of brasses, that promote quite dramatic changes in stress-corrosion resistance. Similarly, oxide films, especially if formed at high temperatures during heat treatment or working, may influence results, especially through their effects upon the corrosion potential. 

The periodic development and use of new steel alloys can improve ferrous corrosion resistance however, where economizer units are constructed of copper alloys, under certain conditions serious copper corrosion problems may result. This occurs when FW having a pH over 8.3 also contains small amounts of ammonia and dissolved oxygen (DO). The ammonia may be present, for example, as a result of the overuse or inappropriate application of certain amines. Further damage may occur from the plating-out of the copper-ammonia ion then created as a cathode on boiler tubes. This promotes anodic corrosion of the immediate surrounding anodic areas. 

Sodium The FW sodium (Na) content is clearly a factor in the formation of sodium hydroxide in BW and an excess may promote various forms of caustic-induced corrosion. Also, high sodium levels may lead to the depassivation of steel surfaces caused by high pH generation, which reduces the corrosion resistance of boiler steel. 

Hydrogen sulfide promoted corrosion can be a serious problem (150) the best solution is prevention. Corrosion problems can be minimized by choice of the proper grades of steel or corrosion resistant alloys, usually containing chromium or nickel (150, 151) and avoiding generation of H S by sulfate reducing bacteria in situations where H S is not initially present. Cathodic protection of casing is often effective for wells less than 10,000 feet deep (150). 

Aluminium drinking carts. There are many patents [8] referring to the use of fluorozirconic acid (H2ZrF6)-based systems to treat the surface of aluminium cans to improve the corrosion resistance of the metal and the adhesion of the applied coatings. Typically, the zirconium fluoride will be used in conjunction with polyacrylic acid, presumably to form a complex in situ which acts as an adhesion promoter. Such surface treatment of aluminium is not restricted to zirconium fluorides, as ammonium zirconium carbonate displays similar properties in such application areas. 

Some metals depend on formation of a protective film for corrosion resistance in sea water. A fresh supply of oxygen brought to the surface of the metal tends to promote the corrosion reaction in some cases, and in others it helps form desired protective films. If a critical velocity of flowing sea water is exceeded, the film may be eroded away. The velocity for useful corrosion resistance is low for copper, higher for aluminum, cupro-nickels, and aluminum bronzes, and highest for stainless steels, Hastelloy C, and titanium. 

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