Effects of blending on surface characteristics of copper corrosion products in drinking water distribution systems

• DOI: 10.1016/j.corsci.2006.04.018
• Publication Date: 2006-08-02T21:43:06Z
• Authors: Weizhong Xiao; Seungkwan Hong; Zhijian Tang; Sudipta Seal; James S. Taylor
• Keywords: Alkalinity

Abstract Copper scales formed over 6-months during exposure to ground, surface and saline waters were characterized by EDS, XRD and XPS. Scale color and hardness were light red–brown–black/hard for high alkalinity and blue–green/soft for high SO 4 or Cl waters. Cl was present in surface or saline copper scales. The Cu/Cu 2 O ratio decreased with time indicating an e transfer copper corrosion mechanism. Cu 2 O, CuO, and Cu(OH) 2 dominated the top 0.5–1 A° scale indicating continuous corrosion. Cu 2 O oxidation to CuO increased with alkalinity, and depended on time and pH. Total copper release was predicted using a Cu(OH) 2 model.