Corrosion Property Evaluation of Copper Alloy Tubes against Sea Water

In this study, the corrosion property of copper alloy tubes in seawater has been investigated. Three copper alloys of nominal composition Cu-20Zn-2Al(Al-Brass), Cu-30Ni(CN70/30) and Cu-10Ni(CN90/10) were considered. The samples were immersed in 3%NaCl flowing solution at $90^{\circ}C$ for 30, 50 and 80 days. Corrosion rate of copper alloy tubes in 3%NaCl flowing solution was investigated by weight-loss measurements and electrochemical test. The CN70/30 showed lowest corrosion rate among three copper alloy tubes. Because of passive films formation, corrosion rates of three types of copper tubes were decrease with time. Surface characteristics of copper alloy tubes were analyzed by optical micrograph(OM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis(EDAX) and X-ray diffraction patterns(XRD). CN70/30 showed partly pitting problem on the surface owing to high Fe content, even though having high resistant against corrosion. Cracks appeared on the surface of CN90/10 and CN70/30 after more than 50 days immersion, which could be derived from high nickel contents.