Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Aluminium and Copper Composite Coatings Deposited by LPCS Method

The paper presents the study of microstructure and corrosion resistance of composite coatings (Al+Al₂O₃ and Cu+Al₂O₃) deposited by Low Pressure Cold Spraying method (LPCS). The atmospheric corrosion resistance was examined by subjecting the samples to cyclic salt spray and Kesternich test chambers, with NaCl and SO₂ atmospheres, respectively. The selected tests allowed reflecting the actual working conditions of the coatings. The analysis showed very satisfactory results for copper coatings. After eighteen cycles, with a total time of 432 hours, the samples show little signs of corrosion. Due to their greater susceptibility to chloride ions, aluminium coatings have significant corrosion losses.