Effect of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion on the Tensile Stress-Strain Response of Aluminum and Alumina-Particle Reinforced Aluminum Composite

Abstract

The tensile stress-strain responses of Al 6061 (UNS A96061) and alumina (Al2O3)-particle reinforced Al 6061 composite were investigated while exposed to a marine bacteria, Pseudomonas species strain NCMB 2021. Tensile responses of the unreinforced alloy and composite samples were altered by the microbial exposures. The strain to failure of the unreinforced alloy was lowered significantly as a result of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). The effect of MIC on composite samples was more drastic. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and strain to failure were reduced significantly in the presence of the microbial species. Changes in the stress-strain responses of both materials were attributed to preferential formation of surface voids as a result of biofilm formation and the MIC process.