The corrosion of graphite/copper composites in different aqueous environments

Composite compacts of graphite and copper were prepared and their corrosion behaviour in acidic, alkaline and neutral solutions was investigated. Copper content ≤ 15 vol% is recommended for use in the acidic solution. The compacting pressure and the baking temperature improve the corrosion resistance of the composite compacts through consolidation and densification processes. Corrosion of the graphite/copper composite compacts in different solutions was accounted for by the galvanic action arising from the contact of graphite with copper, which acts as the cell anode and dissolves.