How to ensure the corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance of Steel-Copper Composite Bearing Plate?

In practical applications, especially when it comes to high loads, high temperatures and humid environments, corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance are crucial for Steel-Copper Composite Bearing Plates. Since steel and copper materials have different tolerances to corrosion, special attention should be paid to the selection of materials, surface treatment and process design during the design and manufacturing process. The following are some common methods and techniques to ensure the corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance of Steel-Copper Composite Bearing Plates:

1. Select the right material

Selection of copper materials: Copper itself has good corrosion resistance, especially in wet and chloride environments, but different types of copper materials (such as bronze, aluminum bronze, phosphor bronze) have different corrosion resistance. For example, bronze and aluminum bronze perform better in high temperature and humid environments because they can form a protective oxide film to prevent further corrosion.

Selection of steel materials: For steel-based materials, selecting alloy steel with higher corrosion resistance is an effective way to improve the oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance of steel-copper composite bearing plates. For example, stainless steel (such as 304, 316 series) has strong oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance, and is suitable for seawater or chemical corrosion environments.

Interface design of steel-copper composite materials: Reasonable design between the steel base and the copper layer to avoid stress concentration or corrosion sources at the interface of the two materials can effectively improve the corrosion resistance of the entire composite bearing plate.

2. Surface treatment technology
Galvanizing or chromium plating: The corrosion resistance of the steel surface can be improved by galvanizing or chromium plating on the steel base. The coating can form a protective barrier to prevent external moisture and oxygen from directly contacting the steel, thereby reducing the risk of oxidation and corrosion.

Nitriding treatment: Nitriding is a surface hardening process that forms a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant nitride layer by penetrating nitrogen into the steel surface. This treatment can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of steel-copper composite bearing plates, especially at high temperatures.

Electroplating or spraying protective layer: For the copper layer, electroplating technology can also be used to plate a thin layer of metal, such as tin plating, gold plating or silver plating. These metal coatings can provide copper with stronger corrosion resistance, especially in humid or acidic environments.

Anodizing: The surface of the copper material can be anodized to generate a protective oxide film, which can effectively improve the corrosion resistance of copper, especially when it comes into contact with oxygen in the air, it can form a dense oxide layer and slow down the oxidation process.

3. Protection and enhancement of the copper layer
Copper layer thickness control: The thickness of the copper material has an important influence on corrosion resistance. Properly increasing the thickness of the copper layer can effectively enhance its corrosion resistance, and the uniformity of the copper layer thickness also affects its long-term performance. A copper layer that is too thin may not provide sufficient protection and easily cause corrosion on the metal surface.

Copper-based surface coating: Special coatings, such as polymer coatings or ceramic coatings, can be added to the surface of the copper layer. These coatings can provide additional corrosion resistance and protect the copper material from oxidation in high humidity or extreme environments.

4. Corrosion resistance of overall composite design
Interface treatment: The interface between the steel base and the copper layer should be specially designed to avoid electrochemical corrosion. Due to the potential difference between steel and copper, the interface may become the starting point of corrosion in a humid or corrosive environment. Therefore, electrochemical corrosion can be effectively prevented by using a suitable adhesive or performing special treatment on the interface.

Intermetallic interaction: In the design of steel-copper composite materials, ensuring good bonding strength between the two materials and avoiding interface separation or stress concentration caused by improper temperature and humidity changes are the key to avoiding corrosion.

5. Optimization of the use environment
Avoid long-term exposure to corrosive environments: Although steel-copper composite bearing plates have strong corrosion resistance, long-term exposure to high-salt, high-humidity or strong acid-base environments may still accelerate the corrosion process. Therefore, when designing application scenarios, try to avoid exposing them to such environments, or perform regular maintenance and inspections.

Sealing and protection design: In actual applications, the use of appropriate sealing designs can prevent corrosion sources such as moisture and salt from entering the surface of steel-copper composite bearing plates. This protective design can further improve the corrosion resistance of the bearing plate and extend its service life.

6. Improvement of oxidation resistance
Anti-oxidation coating: In order to improve the oxidation resistance of copper, an anti-oxidation coating can be applied to the copper layer. Common coatings include polymer coatings, epoxy coatings, etc. These coatings can effectively prevent oxygen in the air from directly contacting the copper surface, thereby slowing down the oxidation process.

Low temperature treatment: Copper is more susceptible to oxidation in a high temperature environment, especially under high temperature conditions, the oxidation rate will accelerate. Therefore, reasonably controlling the working temperature of the steel-copper composite bearing plate and avoiding using it at too high a temperature can effectively reduce the oxidation problem of the copper layer.

7. Regular maintenance and inspection
Surface inspection: Regularly inspect the surface of the steel-copper composite bearing plate to check for signs of corrosion, oxidation or wear. If problems are found in time, local treatment or replacement can be carried out to prevent further corrosion.

Protective measures: For steel-copper composite bearing plates that are used for a long time, regular cleaning, anti-corrosion and anti-oxidation measures can be taken, such as applying preservatives and using waterproof covers.

The corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance of steel-copper composite bearing plates are guaranteed through various designs and technical measures. By selecting appropriate copper and steel materials, using surface treatment technologies (such as plating, nitriding, anodizing, etc.), rationally designing composite structures and material interfaces, and optimizing the working environment, its corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance can be greatly improved, ensuring the stability and service life of the bearing plates in extreme environments.