Synthesis and characterization of ZA-27/SiC nanocomposites and study of its anticorrosion performance in a 3.5% NaCl medium

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of incorporating SiC nanoparticles into ZA-27 alloy on the corrosion behavior of the produced nanocomposites.Design/methodology/approachThe nanocomposites were fabricated by a double-step stir casting technique. The corrosion behavior of the produced ZA-27 nanocomposites was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization test in a 3.5% NaCl medium. The surfaces of the fabricated metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) before and after corrosion tests were imaged and analyzed using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to examine the microstructure of the produced MMNCs and morphology of its surface before and after corrosion.FindingsThe corrosion test results reveal that the fabricated nanocomposites have an improved uniform corrosion resistance when compared with the corresponding monolithic matrix alloy. On the other hand, the base monolithic alloy is less susceptible to the pitting phenomenon than the nanocomposites. The electrochemical results are consistent with the pits morphology of the corroded MMNCs.Originality/valueThis study highlights the use of SiC nano-particulates for controlling of ZA alloy corrosion behavior and enhancing its anti-corrosion characteristics which will open a new route for industrial applications. The corrosion behavior of ZA-27 alloy-based composite reinforced with different weight fractions of nano-SiC particles have an improved uniform corrosion behavior as compared with the corresponding matrix alloy.