Rapid Intergranular Corrosion of Copper in Sulfide-Polluted Salt Water

Abstract

Sulfide-induced intergranular corrosion (IGC) of copper was documented in salt water under free corrosion or controlled potential. The process was promoted by the oxidizing potential and the sulfide ions. A transition potential, , of about was identified in the polarization curves in the presence of sulfide ions. Above , sulfide ions accelerate IGC while having a modest effect on the rate of copper dissolution. Below , they promote copper dissolution, while IGC occurs much more slowly. Various sulfur species were detected in the corrosion product using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.