Corrosion Product Films Formed On Aluminum In High Temperature Water

A study was made of the behavior of aluminum alloys exposed to 300 C high purity water for short periods of time. The corrosion products formed were examined by m ans of optical and electron microscopy. Results show that corrosion resistance is associated with the distribution of second phase particles in the alloys. The alloy, which had the best corrosion resistance, contained the most uniform distribution of cathodic second phase particles; the corrosion product film of this alloy contained a corresponding distribution of irregularities. It is suggested that the second phase particles modify the film in such a way as to increase its protective qualities. (Author).