Impact of Deep Seawater on the Electrochemical Corrosion Performance of Hypoeutectic, Eutectic and Hypereutectic Al-Si Automotive Alloys

Corrosion of aluminum alloys is a significant concern for shipbuilders to ensure the longevity of ocean vessels and equipment. Hence, the study aims to evaluate the corrosion performance of Al-Si as automotive alloys with varying concentrations of Si in deep seawater using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. The surface condition prior to corrosion, as well as after corrosion, is analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy. The entire test is performed at an ambient condition. The results demonstrate that the corrosion resistance improves in alloys with increasing amounts of Si near the eutectic level, after which the corrosion protection deteriorates. Higher Si concentrations show higher values for polarization resistance and open circuit potential. In contrast, corrosion current and…