Study on the tribocorrosion behavior of Cu–Ni–Zn alloy in deep-sea environment by in-situ electrochemical method

Abstract

The tribocorrosion behavior of Cu–Ni–Zn alloy was investigated by using in-situ electrochemical controlled tribocorrosion technology in deep sea. The results showed that the tribocorrosion rate increased with hydrostatic pressure (i.e., seawater depth) at a rate of 1.05 × 10−5 mm3·N−1·m−1·MPa−1. Hydrostatic pressure had significant influence on corrosion and tribocorrosion behaviors. At higher hydrostatic pressure, the cathodic reaction was accelerated and then the anodic dissolution process retarded. The passive film at higher hydrostatic pressure exhibited a larger amount of insoluble Cu(Ⅰ) species (CuCl and Cu2O). On the other hand, with the increasing hydrostatic pressure, the adhesive wear decreased, while the abrasive and delamination wear aggravated. The increment in mechanical wear with hydrostatic pressure was determining factor for the tribocorrosion of Cu–Ni–Zn alloy in deep-sea.