Electrochemical Tests with Copper/Brass Radiator Tube Materials in Coolants 2001-01-1754

Corrosion behavior of brass CuZn15Fe, brass CuZn30 and aluminum in automotive coolants was studied with electrochemical methods. Two commercial glycols were used in the study.

The tests indicate that both glycols provide the metals tested with good corrosion protection. Glycol with conventional inhibitor chemicals prevents corrosion of aluminum even with extensive anodic polarization. Although initiation of pitting could be observed in the same conditions with an inhibitor system based on organic acid technology, it is not very likely to have galvanic corrosion on aluminum by dissolved and deposited copper in automotive coolant systems.