Some views on the erosion–corrosion response of bulk chromium carbide based cermets

Chromium carbide/nickel based composites are applicable in many environments involving tribo-corrosion due to their combined ability to resist wear and corrosion. Hence, they are candidate materials for use either in bulk as surface coatings in crude oil (offshore) or in power and marine industries. The aim of this work was to study the effect of material parameters such as composition and surface roughness, together with test conditions such as abrasive particle concentration, applied potential, temperature and time of experiment on the performance of chromium carbide based cermets. Potentiodynamic and potentiostatic tests were carried out as part of this work. SEM studies were also conducted to establish the mechanisms of the material degradation processes. Finally, erosion–corrosion maps were constructed based on the results. Material wastage, synergy and regime maps were developed for these materials and demonstrated that the performance of the cermet depends on the interplay of material and process variables.