9307995 Oriani This award provides funds to permit Dr. Richard A. Oriani, Corrosion Research Center, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, to pursue with Dr. Su-Il Pyun, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), for 24 months, a program of cooperative research on the properties and mechanism of formation of passivating oxidic films on aluminum and on tungsten. Two important measurements, namely, (1) the kinetics of passivation and (2) the mechanical stress generated during film formation will be made in various electrolyte compositions and with various potential-time conditions. Oxidic films produced upon metal surfaces during corrosion of metals strongly reduce the rate of subsequent corrosion. This corrosion resistance in the case of aluminum and tungsten results from the formation of a thin passivating oxidic film. It is known that the formation kinetics and film characteristics vary with the electrolyte solution chemistry and the electrical potential at which the film is generated. Results of this research may produce a better understanding of corrosion and passivation processes that prevent further corrosion. The collaborators are highly respected researchers in the field of the proposal. This project is relevant to the objectives of the U.S.-Korea Cooperative Science Program which seeks to increase the level of cooperation between U.S. and Korean scientists and engineers through the exchange of scientific information, ideas, skills, and techniques and through collaboration on problems of mutual benefit. Korean participation in the project is supported by the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF). This project adds an international cooperative dimension to the PI's research under NSF Grant No. DMR-9111673. ***
