9612303 Pickering Alloy dissolution involves the selective removal of one component of the alloy under the action of a corrosive medium in a particular service environment. As the alloy leaching occurs, the mechanical properties of the alloy deteriorate significantly. The mechanisms of dealloying in metal alloys are under study in this grant. Several research thrusts are underway, including (1) the effects of lattice strain on the electrochemical behavior and surface morphology of alloys undergoing selective dissolution; (2) characterization of surface morphology, chemical composition and correlation with current at early transient stages of dealloying, below and above the critical potential; (3) evaluation of the effects of key inhibitors and surfactants on the dealloying behavior; (4) the significance of underpotential deposition with regards to the dissolution- redeposition mechanism; (5) evaluation of the magnitude and consequences of ohmic potential drop within the electrolyte that fills the pits that form upon dealloying above the critical potential; (6) application of scanning tunneling microscopy to study dealloying with increased spatial resolution. The research covers a variety of alloys in the copper, zinc, and amalgam families. %%% This grant addresses a serious problem in industry and civil infrastructure, dealloying and its degrading effects on metal alloys. The problem affects a wide variety of alloys and components, high strength steels, superalloys, machine parts, faucets and water pipes, and even dental fillings. ***
