Intermetallic particles trigger streaking corrosion in AA7075-T6

Journal Article (2025)
Author(s)

Marlon Mopon (University of the Philippines Diliman, TU Delft - Group Garcia Espallargas)

Johannes M C Mol (TU Delft - Team Arjan Mol)

S. J. Garcia (TU Delft - Group Garcia Espallargas)

Research Group
Group Garcia Espallargas
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-025-00631-5
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Research Group
Group Garcia Espallargas
Issue number
1
Volume number
9
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Abstract

Streaking corrosion (SC) of AA7075-T6, characterized by the rapid dissolution of an altered surface layer (ASL) formed through mechanical surface treatments, is investigated. Utilizing in situ high-resolution reflected light microscopy, we reveal that SC initiates preferentially on intermetallic particles (IMP) or pre-existing pits. Optical evidence of galvanic interactions between propagating streaks and connected IMPs is observed. Concurrent in situ open circuit potential (OCP) measurements show a characteristic pattern that correlate with SC initiation, progression, and termination. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of a simple in situ optical-electrochemical setup in tracking dynamic local corrosion processes and directly linking OCP transients to specific corrosion events.