ABSTRACT
The resistance to corrosion of aluminium bronze alloys depends on a combination of the following factors: the protective oxide film, the avoidance, if possible, of corrodible 'phases', if corrodible phases are unavoidable and ensuring that they are not continuous. Aluminium bronzes are therefore not significantly liable to corrosion in sea water unless other factors come into play, as will be explained. In many corrosive environments, the cyclic stress level to produce failure is further reduced, the failure mechanism then being termed corrosion fatigue. The protective oxide film, which forms on the surface of aluminium bronzes, endows the alloys with excellent resistance to further oxidation at elevated temperatures. The metal freshly exposed as a result of cavitation will of course be subject to corrosion and the resultant damage is due to a combination of corrosion and the mechanical forces associated with the bubble collapse.
