Determination of the corrosion rate inside historical brass wind instruments – Proof of concept

An electrochemical sensor has been tested on brass reference samples and applied on a mouthpiece of a historical brass instrument. Using a phosphate buffer solution pH 7 with 10-2, 10-3 and 10-4 M NaCl the electrochemical response (open circuit potential, polarization resistance) of the sensor corresponds to the results obtained in a traditional electrochemical cell. XPS surface analysis has shown that the brass surface composition after 7 min contact with the sensor is not altered when using 10-3 or 10-4 M NaCl. The sensor is fit for purpose and has already been applied in brass wind instruments.