IN-SITU OXIDATION MEASUREMENTS OF COPPER USING THE QUARTZ CRYSTAL MICROBALANCE COUPLED WITH RESISTANCE MEASUREMENTS USING AN ATMOSPHERIC CORROSION MONITOR By

A method for the detection of in situ corrosion monitoring due to atmospheric gasses has been incorporated to measure not only the amount of corrosion on a copper surface but also the rate of corrosion and a study on the bonding of the adsorbent at the gas solid interface. The Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) has recently been used for this corrosion monitoring. Results indicate a difference in the rate at which the adsorbent reacts with the solid in different atmospheric conditions verses the rate of corrosion as measured when there is no inhibitor present. Tests also indicate an asymptotic threshold may exist in the adsorption process which is reached after (x) amount of time. The adsorption measured was in dry nitrogen with a minimal to negligible effect from the influence of oxygen. This adsorption pre treatment of the surface in a dry inert atmosphere containing an inhibitor has shown to provide the copper surface with protection from atmospheric gasses on what looks to be a very impressive time scale. Furthermore,the frequency change due to the chemical adsorption of the inhibitor is suspected to be identified and indicates excellent protection of the copper surface after the inhibitor has been taken away which may support the BOC theory. The atmospheric corrosion sensor was used to monitor the in situ resistance measurements due to the formation of corrosion.