Corrosion rates and electrochemical studies of a depleted uranium alloy tungsten fiber metal matrix composite

The corrosion rates of a tungsten reinforced depleted uranium alloy metal matrix composite have been measured, by immersion tests, in three environments (laboratory air, distilled water, and 3.5% NaCl) and compared to the rates of the matrix alloy (DU-0.75 Ti) alone. The corrosion rates of both specimens are negligible in laboratory air, increase in distilled water, and are greatest in NaCl for a 30 day period. In all environments the matrix allo is preferentially attacked. In distilled water the corrosion rate of the matrix alloy is 3 times greater than the composite whereas in NaCl the corrosion rate of the composite is 1.3 times greater than the matrix. In electrochemical tests the composite was simulated by coupling separate samples of the fiber and matrix and the short-circuit (galvanic) currents were measured. A comparison of the corrosion rates calculated from the galvanic currents and from immersio tests shows the principal reaction of the composite in NaCl is galvanic coupling of the matrix and fiber