The corrosive effect from the exposure to salt spray was studied on chloroprene rubber (CR) matrices containing a particulate ferromagnetic filler, viz. carbonyl-iron powder (CIP). The experiments in salt spray chamber are able to create an aggressive condition of sodium chloride atmosphere (NaCl), being important to minimize the time of exposure of composites in comparison to the real conditions. The presence of corrosive products was visually observed at the surface of CI:CR composites (80:20 wt %). The surface and interior of these composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis system. From these experiments, it was possible to suggest the formation of a surface layer of iron oxide (Fe2O3). This compound was not detected inside the bulk.
Carbonyl-iron; chloroprene rubber; salt spray exposure; corrosion
