Quartz crystal microbalance applied to studies of atmospheric corrosion of metals

AbstractThe possibility of using the quartz crystal microbalance technique in studies of atmospheric corrosion of metals is demonstrated in experiments involving both laboratory and field exposures. The inherent mass sensitivity of the technique provides the possibility of obtaining in situ information on mass changes during atmospheric corrosion. Laboratory exposures involve studies of kinetics during exposure of Cu or Ni covered quartz crystals to humidified air to which SO2 and/or NO2 or a vapour phase inhibitor have been added. Field exposures involve Ag covered quartz crystals exposed in benign museum storage rooms. With an observed mass resolution better than 10−8 g cm−2, corrosion effects can be observed under present conditions corresponding to less than 1 h laboratory exposure or less than 1 day of field exposure.