The Effect of Copper on Corrosion Resistance and Structure of Al-8%wt Si Alloys for Engine Block Application

Al-Si Alloys are mostly used in an application for the engine block. An experimental investigation was carried out to understand the corrosion resistance of alloys with various Copper (Cu) content in Al-Si alloys. The corrosion properties of Aluminium alloys (Al-Si-0wt%Cu, Al-Si-2wt%Cu, Al-Si-5wt%Cu, and Al-Si-9wt%Cu) were investigated. X-ray diffraction and Electrochemical test were performed to investigate the structure of each sample, and corrosion resistance in 3.5%wt and 7%wt NaCl solution, and coolant water were used to understand the corrosion rate of Al-Si alloys. X-ray diffraction shows a different diffraction pattern from one sample to another. The effect of Copper addition shows marks different in corrosion resistance and structure of this alloy.