CORROSION BEHAVIOR OF Al/SiC/PKSA HYBRID COMPOSITES IN 1.0 M H2SO4 ENVIRONMENT USING POTENTIODYNAMIC POLARIZATION TECHNIQUE

Abstract

The potentiodynamic polarization of aluminium 6063 alloy reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) and palm kernel shell ash (PKSA) particulates at various mixing ratios were investigated. Double stir casting method was adopted for the production of the hybrid reinforced composites. The existence of the reinforcements within the matrix alloy acted as active sites for corrosion initiation. Hence, pitting corrosion was observed. The range of values for Ecorr and Icorr obtained at 24 h in 1.0 M H2SO4 were between -627.74 and -644.46 mV, and between 423.81 and 860.23 µA/cm2, respectively. The Ecorr values ranged from -654 to -697.22 mV, and the Icorr ranged from 1075.65 to 3057.16 µA/cm2 at 72 h in 1.0 M H2SO4. The relative resistance to corrosion of the samples is dependent on the thin oxide film formed on the surface of the samples.