Characterization of Carbonated Beverages Associated to Corrosion of Aluminium Packaging

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the characteristics of commercial soft drinks related with the corrosion process of the aluminium packaging and based on that, propose model solutions for future studies of beverage/package interaction and corrosion process of metal packages. Therefore, the pH, acidity, concentration of chlorides and copper in six types of soft drinks were determined, as well as the corrosion potential of the aluminium and the current density corrosion obtained in polarization curves using the beverages as electrolyte. Based on the results obtained, a solution of citric acid (pH = 3) containing chloride (250 mg/kg) and copper ions (250 μg/kg) is proposed. The obtained results are potentially useful for the industry and future studies regarding the interaction process between soft drinks and aluminium cans. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.