Pitting and pitting control of Al in gluconic acid solutions – Polarization, chronoamperometry and morphological studies

Abstract The anodic behaviour of Al in gluconic acid (HG) solutions was studied. Al was found to pit in such solutions. Surface and cross-sectional views of the SEM images recorded beyond the breakdown potential ( E b ) revealed the occurrence of intense pitting attack with the formation of large hemispherical pits. The effect of adding some environmentally acceptable inorganic inhibitors (tungstates, molybdates or silicates) on the pitting corrosion behaviour of Al in HG solutions was also studied. Measurements were carried out under the influence of various experimental variables based on polarization and chronoamperometric techniques. These measurements were complemented by ex situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) examinations of the electrode surface. The presence of these compounds in HG solutions decreased the passive current density ( j pass ) and increased E b . In HG solutions, chronoamperometric measurements showed that the anodic current density first decreased, due to growth of a passive oxide film, then increased with time after a pit incubation time, t i and finally attained a steady-state value. Value of t i was shortened and simultaneously the steady-state current was elevated, corresponding to an increase in the rate of pit initiation and growth, with increasing applied anodic potential and HG concentration. The rate of pit nucleation ( t i - 1 ) was found to decrease to an extent depending on the type and concentration of the introduced inhibitor. The inhibitory effect of these compounds decreased in the order: Si 2 O 5 2 - > WO 4 2 - > MoO 4 2 - .