Optimizing corrosion resistance of Fe35Ni20Cr12Mn28Al5 high-entropy alloy: synergistic effect of Mo inhibitor, Al content and cold rolling

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the corrosion behavior of cold-rolled Fe₃₅Ni₂₀C_r12Mn_(28-x)Al_x high-entropy alloys (HEAs) using the potentiodynamic polarization technique in 1 M H₂SO₄ acid. Additionally, the influence of molybdenum (Mo) additions as inhibitors and the effect of variations in cold rolling reduction ratios and Al content on corrosion behavior are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Two cold rolling reduction ratios, namely, 50% (R50) and 90% (R90), were examined for the cold-rolled Fe₃₅Ni₂₀Cr₁₂Mn₂₈Al₅ (Al₅) and Fe₃₅Ni₂₀Cr₁₂Mn₂₃Al₁₀ (Al₁₀) HEAs. Mo inhibitor additions were introduced at varying concentrations of 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 Wt.%. The potentiodynamic polarization technique was used to evaluate the corrosion rates (CRs) under different experimental conditions.

Findings

The results indicate that the addition of 0.3 Wt.% Mo in 1 M H₂SO₄ yielded the lowest CR for both R50 and R90, irrespective of the Al content in the HEAs. However, the highest CR was observed at 0.6 Wt.% Mo addition. Furthermore, increasing the concentration of Al resulted in a corresponding rise in the CR. Comparatively, the CR decreased significantly when the cold rolling reduction ratio increased from R50 to R90.

Originality/value

This research provides valuable insights into the intricate relationship between Mo inhibitors, cold rolling reduction ratio, Al content and the resulting corrosion behavior of Fe₃₅Ni₂₀Cr₁₂Mn_(28-x)Al_x HEAs. The comprehensive analysis of corroded HEAs, including surface morphology, compositions and elemental distribution mapping, contributes to the understanding of the corrosion mechanisms and offers potential strategies for enhancing the corrosion behavior of HEAs.