Copper Corrosion

Abstract

The effects on the corrosion of copper, under the influence of dissolved oxygen and carbon dioxide, of trace additions of salts have been studied. In the case of chloride ion, radical changes in the kinetics of dissolution and film growth processes have been observed and have been interpreted in terms of a transition from general to local action corrosion. The effects of sulfate, nitrate, and bicarbonate ions are also reported. The influence of calcium bicarbonate, under conditions which preclude the deposition of calcium carbonate, in retarding corrosion is particularly noteworthy.