Anti-tarnish silver alloys in system Ag-Cu-Zn-Si with the addition of aluminum

This paper presents investigations of aluminum addition influence on the corrosion characteristics of the sterling silver Ag-Cu-Zn-Si alloys. The procedure for obtaining Ag-Cu-Zn-Al-Si alloys in small ranges of predefined composition was also presented. Open circuit potential measurements, linear polarization resistance method and potentiodynamic polarization tests were employed to determine corrosion characteristics of the alloys. The materials were tested in a 0.01M sodium sulfide solution. It was shown that the addition of aluminum improves sulfidization resistance and corrosion characteristics. Best results are achieved for the alloy with the following composition 92.5% Ag, 1.9% Cu, 3.7% Zn, 1.6% Al and 0.3% Si.