Multiphase Al-Zr-Fe alloys with intermetallic compound structure: Mechanisms of corrosion in 3.5 % NaCl and H3BO3 aqueous solutions

In this study, the structure of Al65Zr20Fe15 and Al71Zr24Fe5 alloys was studied using neutron diffraction and SEM with EDX maps. This paper presents the electrochemical measurement results performed in 3.5 % NaCl, H3BO3, and 3.5 % NaCl+H3BO3 solutions at 40 °C. The Al71Zr24Fe5 alloy showed higher corrosion resistance in acidic solution, whereas the Al65Zr20Fe15 alloy was more resistant in 3.5 % NaCl+H3BO3. Moreover, the corrosion behavior was described for the samples immersed for 8 weeks in 3.5 % NaCl at 40 °C. SKPFM indicated high Volta potential differences between Al-Zr and Al-Fe-Zr phases. Moreover, the higher wear resistance for Al65Zr20Fe15 compared to the Al71Zr24Fe5 alloy was demonstrated.