Abstract
Gravimetric weight loss analysis, response surface optimization, and predictive modeling techniques were used to study the corrosion resistance behavior of quenched Cu-Zn-Al alloys in 0.5 m HCl solution. Cu-Zn-Al alloy with 20 and 6 weight percent Zn and Al respectively, was developed by casting method. Prior to being machined to specifications for the corrosion resistance test, the alloy underwent a solutionizing treatment at 850 degrees C. During the corrosion weight loss measurement, the immersion time and operation temperature ranged from 1 to 4 h and 35 to 60 degrees C respectively. The corrosion rate of the solution-treated Cu-20Zn-6Al alloy in 0.5 m HCl dropped from 120.189 to 1.603 mm/year with increasing operation temperature and immersion time, according to the corrosion test findings. Thus the Cu-Zn-Al alloy demonstrated strong resistance to corrosion in 0.5 m HCl solution within the boundaries of the considered process parameters. RSM optimization of the experimental process revealed that all the generated model terms are significant with P values less than 0.05. Derived regression model capable of predicting the optimal corrosion rate correlates the corrosion immersion time and operating temperature with the corrosion rate of the solution-treated Cu-20Zn-6Al alloy within the studied conditions. Numerical optimization of the process parameters reveal that at 60 degrees C and 4 h maximum operating temperature and immersion time, minimal corrosion rate with 0.990 high degree of desirability would be obtained. The as-quenched Cu-20Zn-6Al alloy could be applied in the design of components for elevated temperature acidic environments.