Study on the corrosion of copper alloy by friction stir surface processing

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the modification of surface of a copper alloy by friction stir surface processing (FSSP).

Design/methodology/approach

The metallographic condition of the surface modification was observed using microscopy. Electrochemical corrosion tests were carried out on the modified surface and the corroded surface was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Findings

The test results showed that FSSP resulted in refinement of the surface grains of the copper alloy. The degree of refinement was increased with rotation speed and increased in the descending distance of the stirring tool. The corrosion resistance of the modified surface was superior to the base metal except for the surface generated by a rotation speed of 800 rpm and a descending distance 0.1 mm. For the surface modification of the rotation speed of 800 rpm, its corrosion resistance was lower than for the other two rotation speeds. When the rotation speed is specified, the corrosion resistance is improved with increased descending distance. When the descending distance is specified, the corrosion resistance is improved with the rotation speed.

Originality/value

In this study, it was confirmed that the corrosion resistance of the surface modification was best at the rotation speed 1200 rpm and descending distance 0.2 mm.

Citation

Weiwei, S., Xu, X., Zuo, D. and Wang, J. (2016), "Study on the corrosion of copper alloy by friction stir surface processing", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 63 No. 3, pp. 190-195. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-11-2015-1609