Effects of Periodic Handwashing and Water Rinsing on Atmospheric Corrosion

This study examines the effects of handwashing with a detergent and water rinsing on the atmospheric corrosion of AA2024-T3 and low carbon steel (LCS) 1010 in seacoast environments. Outdoor exposure tests compared 30-d, 45-d, 60-d, and 180-d wash intervals with tap water rinsing every 2 d. Corrosion product weight measurements, potentiodynamic polarization tests, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and ion chromatography were used to assess corrosion rates and surface changes. While handwashing slightly decreased corrosion rates for both materials, water rinsing every 2 d significantly reduced corrosion product weight and anodic reaction kinetics. On AA2024-T3, handwashing and tap water rinsing lowered Cl− and levels; on LCS 1010, however, handwashing increased Cl− concentration due to surface roughening that increased the Cl− adsorption. In contrast, frequent tap water rinsing effectively removed salts, delayed thick corrosion product formation, and maintained surface passivation on LCS 1010. Both washing and rinsing removed some oxide products without altering the underlying oxide chemistry. For both materials, frequent tap water rinsing offers more potential for economic maintenance and energy savings.