Structural characterization and electrochemical behaviour of Fe-Ni-Mo-B Amorphous alloys

Abstract

A series of amorphous alloys obtained by the “melt-spinning” technique, with variable nickel and molybdenum contents, have been examined. Potentiodynamic anodic and cathodic polarization curves have been obtained for each of these amorphous alloys in various environments (1N HCl, 1N H 2S0 4, 3% NaCl, 1N NaOH). Their electrochemical properties were correlated with the amorphous structure and with their composition, characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Surface morphology has been observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The nickel content, in amorphous Fe-Ni x-Mo 4-B 13 (balance iron) alloys enhanced the corrosion resistance in acid (IN H 2SO 4, 1N HCl), neutral (3% NaCl) and alkaline (1N NaOH) environments. The molybdenum content (from 4 to 8.5%) in the amorphous Fe-Ni 20-Mo x-B 13 (balance iron) alloys increased the corrosion resistance only in alkaline solutions. In the various environments tested, the corrosion potentials tend to ennoble on increasing the nickel content. While the alloys are in the active state in acid and neutral environments, they are passive in alkaline environments. A correlation has been found between the short range order in the alloys of the Fe-Ni-Mo-B type, of similar chemical composition, and the electrochemical behaviour.