In-service degradation diagnostics of low-alloyed steels and aluminum alloys properties by electrochemical methods

Abstract

The effect degradation in-service and in-laboratory conditions of the low-alloyed steels and aircraft aluminum alloys on its electrochemical conditions has been investigated. It is shown that the structural changes over degradation causes not only material embitterment, but also an activation of anodic and cathode electrode reactions and, correspondingly, a decrease of corrosion resistance. Such electrochemical characteristics as anodic current at constant potential and polarization resistance are the most sensitive to degradation. Fair correlation between the connected with degradation changes of electrochemical and mechanical properties were obtained. It allows to monitor structural changes in-bulk metal during long-term service and it opens prospects for an application of the electrochemical methods to diagnostics of in-service degradation.