The role of Sn on the long-term atmospheric corrosion of binary Cu-Sn bronze alloys in architecture

• The role of Sn on the atmospheric corrosion performance of binary Cu-Sn bronze alloys (4–6 wt.% Sn) compared with Cu metal used in outdoor architecture is elucidated in terms of microstructure, native surface oxide composition, patina evolution, corrosion rates, appearance and metal release. Results are presented for non-exposed surfaces and surfaces exposed at different urban and marine sites in Europe up to 5 years and based on multi-analytical findings from microscopic, spectroscopic, electrochemical and chemical investigations. Alloying influenced the corrosion, aesthetic appearance and patina evolution, differently for urban and marine sites, whereas no effects were observed on the release pattern. © 2019 The Authors

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Materialteknik -- Metallurgi och metalliska material (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Materials Engineering -- Metallurgy and Metallic Materials (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Aesthetic appearance

Atmospheric corrosion

Bronze

Metal release

Patina

Atmospheric chemistry

Binary alloys

Chemical analysis

Corrosion rate

Seawater corrosion

Urban growth

Exposed surfaces

Release pattern

Surface oxide

Copper corrosion

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)