Simulation of atmospheric corrosion in different metals in the presence SO2 as the main pollutant

This work presents information about the kinetics of corrosion and the characterization of the products formed on zinc, copper, aluminum and low carbon steel, submitted to the following experimental conditions in trials that simulate industrial atmospheres: two alternative temperatures (30oC and 50oC), high relative humidity, constant incidence of short wave UV radiation (254 nm) and a SO2 concentration below 50 ppm. An experimental device to control the different atmospheric variables was used. Among the products of corrosion that were found, aside from the usual oxides and oxohydroxides, were sulfates and sulfites with different compositions and degrees of hydration, distributed in discrete phases. The temperature variation produced an increased weight loss in all the metals tested and did not modify the proportions of the compounds formed in the internal and external phases. In the case of Cu, the same anomalies occurred as for the other metals tested, but its composition also changed after modifying the test temperature (CW)