Abstract
One type of localized corrosion, known as “ant's nest corrosion”, in copper tubes is caused by decomposition products from chlorinated organic solvent and some types of lubricant oil. The decomposition products include carboxylic acids, acetates, formates and chlorides. Vinegar is mainly composed of acetic acid, which is one of the potential corrosive substances that cause this type of corrosion. 1-month and 3-months exposure tests were conducted in test tubes containing volatile acids, aldehydes and seven different vinegar-containing commercial seasonings. The severity and morphological features of this type of corrosion in copper tubes differed between types of corrosive substances and commercial vinegar-containing seasonings. The penetration depth and density of the localized corrosion in copper tubes exposed to commercial scasonings were not as great as those in copper tubes exposed to volatile acids and aldehydes.
