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An evaluation of the corrosion behavior of aluminum surfaces in presence of fungi using atomic force microscopy and other tests

A.M.A. Silva (Group of Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza‐CE, Brazil)
T.M. Santiago (Laboratory of Atomic Microscopy, Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza‐CE, Brazil)
C.R. Alves (Group of Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza‐CE, Brazil)
M.I.F. Guedes (Group of Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza‐CE, Brazil)
J.A.K. Freire (Laboratory of Atomic Microscopy, Department of Physics, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza‐CE, Brazil)
R.H.S.F. Vieira (Laboratory of Fish Caught Microbiology, Institute of Marine Science, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza‐CE, Brazil)
R.C.B. da Silva (Group of Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Chemistry, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza‐CE, Brazil)

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials

ISSN: 0003-5599

Article publication date: 18 September 2007

459

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to report a preliminary study that was conducted in order to investigate the corrosion behavior of aluminum surfaces in aqueous solution in the presence of microorganisms. For this purpose, the fungus Aspergillus niger was tested in chloride‐containing aqueous media.

Design/methodology/approach

Weight loss and pH measurements were performed to verify the activity of the fungus on the aluminum surface and the atomic force microscopy technique was used to examine the surface after removing the biological film.

Findings

The pH of the media depended on the immersion time. Pitting attack was observed on the surface. The findings confirmed that the corrosion reaction of the aluminum was catalyzed by the presence of fungus and, simultaneously, the mean roughness of the aluminum surface was altered. After removing the biofilm, fungal hyphae hallmark was evident.

Originality/value

Up until low, relatively few studies have addressed biofilm attack on materials, and especially attack on metallic surfaces in media contaminated by fungi. Hence, this paper is important for its contribution to the body of knowledge about biofilm action on metallic surfaces.

Keywords

Citation

Silva, A.M.A., Santiago, T.M., Alves, C.R., Guedes, M.I.F., Freire, J.A.K., Vieira, R.H.S.F. and da Silva, R.C.B. (2007), "An evaluation of the corrosion behavior of aluminum surfaces in presence of fungi using atomic force microscopy and other tests", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 54 No. 5, pp. 289-293. https://doi.org/10.1108/00035590710822134

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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