ABSTRACT
This investigation used aluminium, magnesium, iron ore tailings, and low-carbon steel. Iron ore tailings (5–30 wt% Mg and 50 μm in size) in an aluminium matrix formed the anode. In 0.5 M NaCl solution, the weight loss, corrosion rate, and electrochemical properties were measured. Samples A to E have corrosion rates of 0.43, 0.28, 0.36, 0.08, and 0.11 mm/yr, respectively. SEM/EDS examination revealed the presence of elemental Al, Mg, O, and Si in the anode. The XRD patterns indicate intermetallic compounds such as iron nitride (Fe3N), aluminium silver (Ag-Al), and manganese zirconium (Mn2Zr). In samples A, B, and C, Al and Mg formed a protective coating on the anode, while C and Si reduced passivation and released electrons to protect the steel. IOTs and Mg in the aluminium matrix improve the anodic corrosion resistance. The observed improvements in corrosion resistance highlight the potential of these sacrificial anodes for practical applications in corrosion protection systems.
Abbreviations
SEM | = | Scanning electron microscopy |
EDS | = | Energy dispersive spectroscopy |
XRD | = | X-ray diffraction |
Fe3N | = | Iron nitride |
Ag-Al | = | Aluminum silver |
Mn2Zr | = | Manganese zirconium |
IOTs | = | Iron ore tailings |
DC | = | Direct current |
CP | = | Cathodic protection |
XRF | = | X-ray fluorescence |
Al-Mg | = | Aluminum-magnesium |
WE | = | Working electrode |
OCP | = | Open-circuit potential |
Sn | = | Tin |
Ti | = | Titanium |
AlB2 | = | Aluminum boron |
AlCr2 | = | Aluminum chromium |
FeAl2 | = | Aluminum iron |
Fe2O3 | = | Hematite |
Fe3C | = | Cementite |
MgO | = | Magnesia |
Al-N | = | Aluminum nitride |
Li2Fe3O5 | = | Lithium iron oxide |
TiH2 | = | Titanium hydride |
Ag5-Al-Mn | = | Aluminum manganese silver |
Mn2Zr | = | Manganese zirconium |
Al-Mg | = | Aluminum magnesium |
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Authors’ contributions
This work was carried out in collaboration with all the authors. Authors: B.O. Iwarere, D.T. Oloruntoba, and O.S. Adesina designed the study, performed the experiment, interpreted the results, and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Authors, O.S. Adesina, O.O. Sanyaolu, P.P. Ikubanni, & A.A. Adediran managed the analyses of the study, managed the literature searches, and performed the graphical editing. All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Availability of data and materials
All the data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article.
Ethical approval
The collection of plant material complied with relevant institutional, national, and international guidelines and legislation.