The air oxidation of two-phase Cu-Ag alloys at 650–750°C

The corrosion of three two phase Cu-Ag alloys containing 25, 50, and 75 wt% Ag has been studied at 650 and 750°C. In all cases the alloys formed external scales of copper oxides. At the same time, an internal precipitation of Cu2O within a silver matrix was also produced, with an oxide volume fraction larger for the alloys richer in Cu. Beneath this mixed layer a region of single-phase solid solution of Cu in silver formed for Cu-50Ag and especially for Cu-75Ag. Silver metal remained in the metal-consumption zone, acting essentially as an inert marker, except for a few particles with were incorporated into the growing scales. Both pure Cu and the alloys corroded parabolically, but the rate constants for the alloys decreased with increased Ag content under constant temperature. The various aspects of the corrosion of these alloys are examined by taking into account the possible effects associated with the presence of two metal phases.