An S-phase intermetallic compound (Al2CuMg) was synthesized in bulk form to
characterize its, electrochemical behavior by conventional techniques. Lar
ge S-phase crystals, suitable for analysis, were formed in an Al-Cu-Mg ingo
t. The structure of Al2CuMg was verified by electron-backscatter Kikuchi pa
tterns and X-ray diffraction. The composition of Al2CuMg was verified by el
ectron-probe microchemical analysis. Open-circuit potential and potentiodyn
amic polarization measurements were conducted in aerated and deaerated 0.5
M NaCl solutions. Bulk S-phase electrodes exhibited steady-state open-circu
it potentials ranging from -0.920 to -0.930 V-SCE, which did not vary signi
ficantly with changes in solution aeration. In aerated solutions, the phase
dissolved vigorously at modest anodic polarizations, and no passive respon
se was detected. Limiting cathodic current densities on the order of 1.0 mA
/cm(2) were measured for small cathodic polarizations, probably due to the
development of a porous, catalytic surface. Overall, the S phase supports r
apid anodic and cathodic reaction kinetics, which contribute to the instabi
lity of the compound and subsequent Liberation of Cu. These results implica
te the presence of S-phase intermetallic particles as a key contributor to
the poor corrosion resistance of Al-Cu-Mg alloys. (C) 1999 The Electrochemi
cal Society. S0013-4651(99)01-011-3, All rights reserved.