Surface Analysis and Material Elements in the Excavator Tooth Bucket which is affected by corrosion with the SEM and EDX method

yudiyanto, eko
Susilo, Sugeng
Sulistyono, Sulistyono

Asian Journal Science and Engineering
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2024): Asian Journal Science and Engineering

Corrosion in excavator tooth buckets is a major issue in the heavy equipment industry, especially in mining and construction. Exposure to water, humidity, and chemicals accelerates corrosion, reducing strength and wear resistance, which shortens component life and lowers operational efficiency. This study analyzes surface structure and material composition changes due to corrosion, aiming to enhance material durability through better selection and design. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDX), corrosion effects on S45C steel were examined at up to 5000x magnification. The results show increased oxygen (O) from 3.56 WT% to 25.53 WT% and decreased iron (Fe) from 84.21 WT% to 59.35 WT%, indicating severe oxidation. Identified corrosion types include uniform and gap corrosion, highlighting the need for corrosion-resistant materials and protective coatings to improve excavator reliability