The Red Plague is a nickname for a specific type of corrosion. It is not a disease, but a chemical reaction.
Understanding Red Plague
Red Plague is the common term for a red-colored corrosion product that appears on silver-plated copper components. Specifically, it's cuprous-oxide, a type of rust that forms when specific conditions are met. This form of corrosion is especially prevalent in electronics that utilize silver-coated copper stranded wire.
How Red Plague Forms
The emergence of Red Plague is the result of a galvanic cell. This electrochemical process occurs when:
- Two Dissimilar Metals are Present: In this case, silver and copper are in contact, serving as the electrodes.
- Electrolyte: An electrolyte, such as moisture, is present and enables an electrical current to flow.
Under these conditions, the copper acts as the anode and is oxidized. This forms cuprous oxide, which is reddish in color and gives Red Plague its name.
Why is it a problem?
The formation of Red Plague can lead to several issues:
- Electrical Failure: As the copper corrodes, the electrical connection can become weak or fail entirely.
- Physical Degradation: The red oxide is powdery and can flake off, further weakening the wire and reducing its structural integrity.
- Increased Resistance: The corrosion product is non-conductive and therefore increases the resistance of electrical connections.
Prevention and Mitigation
Preventing or mitigating Red Plague involves minimizing the creation of a galvanic cell. Some measures include:
- Proper Sealing: Protecting components from moisture can reduce the formation of an electrolyte, which is needed for the corrosion process to occur.
- Use of Protective Coatings: Applying inert coatings to the exposed metals can prevent direct contact and significantly slow down the corrosion process.
- Careful Material Selection: Consideration of material compatibility can prevent the formation of galvanic couples.
Key Details in a Table
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Definition | Red colored corrosion product (cuprous-oxide) |
| Cause | Galvanic cell between silver and copper |
| Appearance | Reddish, powdery, flaking material |
| Primary Location | Silver-coated copper stranded wire, mainly in electronics |
| Impact | Electrical failures, structural weakening, increased resistance |
| Prevention | Proper sealing, protective coatings, careful material selection |
In conclusion, Red Plague is not a disease, but rather a specific type of corrosion that primarily affects electronics with silver-plated copper components due to a galvanic reaction.
