TiN, TiN gradient and Ti/TiN multi-layer protective coatings on Uranium

Single-layer TiN, gradient TiN and multi-layer Ti/TiN coating were deposited on silicon and uranium substrates by means of arc ion plating technique. The main phase in the single-layer TiN coating was TiN with a (111) preferred orientation. Ti and TiN were observed in the TiN gradient coating and Ti/TiN multi-layer coatings. The single-layer TiN coating has demonstrated the best wear resistance among the three coatings. Compared with the bare U substrate, the corrosion potential E_corr of the multi-layer Ti/TiN coatings is increased by 580 mV, and the corrosion current density I_corr is decreased at least by two orders of magnitude. The multi-layer Ti/TiN coatings possessed the highest corrosion resistance among the three coating in a 0.5 μg/g Cl⁻ solution.     

Microstructure and Corrosion Resistance of Plasma Sprayed Fe-Based Alloy Coating as an Alternative to Hard Chromium

Fe-based alloy coating (FAC) was prepared from Fe-based amorphous metallic powders on low-carbon steel by plasma spray. The microstructures and corrosion resistances (salt spray and electrochemical tests) of the FAC and the reference hard chromium coatings (HCC) were investigated. The results indicated that the as-sprayed FAC consisted of amorphous phase, nanocrystalline grains, and borides. Both the FAC and HCC adhered well to the low-carbon steel substrate, but there are micro-cracks and pores located in FAC, which disappeared after the sealing treatment. After 60 days (1440 h) of corrosion tests by salt spray, the weight loss of FAC was about 10% of the HCC, but that of the sealed FAC (SFAC) was only about 4% of HCC. The electrochemical tests indicated that the HCC had the lowest E _corr (−629 mV) and highest I _corr (63.2 mA/m²). Correspondingly, the SFAC possessed the highest E _corr (−321 mV) and lowest I _corr (6.97 mA/m²). These suggested that the resistance to corrosion sequence (R) among these coatings was R _SFAC > R _FAC > R _HCC. Therefore, this Fe-based alloy coating could be applied as a good alternative material to hard chromium in corrosion environments.     

Effect of plasma nitriding of electroplated chromium coatings on the corrosion protection C45 mild steel

Plasma nitriding is a promising posttreatment technique to create a nitride layer on electroplated chromium coatings for improving their corrosion resistance. In the present study, the effects of plasma nitriding on the corrosion properties of electroplated chromium/C45 mild steel were investigated using electrochemical characterization. The chromium plated samples were nitrided using a pulsed direct current glow discharge in an NH₃ atmosphere. The polarization curve measurement results showed that the plasma nitrided samples exhibited more positive corrosion potentials (E_corr), smaller corrosion currents (I_corr), and evident passivation when compared with unnitrided chromium plating/substrate system. The high value of E_corr and low value of I_corr imply an improvement of the corrosion resistance of the coating/substrate system after plasma nitriding.     

Reproducibility of corrosion parameters for the acidic dissolution of pure iron: potentiostatic polarisation

Polarisation curves were determined potentiostatically for pure polycrystalline iron corroding in oxygen-free 0.5 M H₂SO₄. Four different working electrode pre-treatments (abrasion/polishing, pre-polarisation and time to establish E_corr) were employed and the reproducibility of E_corr and calculated corrosion parameters (i_corr, Tafel slopes and i₀) for each treatment was determined. Electrode pre-treatment effects changes in working electrode catalytic activity with subsequent variation in the reproducibility of polarisation curves and measured and calculated corrosion parameters. A method incorporating abrasion/polishing followed by anodic/cathodic pre-polarisation resulted in general in improved parameter reproducibility and cathodic and anodic Tafel slopes close to those predicted by the reaction mechanisms.     

Kinetics and mechanism of corrosion of iron in phosphoric acid

A study of the anodic and cathodic reactions involved in the corrosion of iron in phosphoric acid shows that the rate determining steps for the two reactions are similar to those reported for corrosion of iron in sulphuric acid. However, the dependance of i_corr and E_corr on time and solution parameters shows that an additional factor in the corrosion of iron in phosphoric acid is the slow coverage of the iron surface with phosphate resulting in a decrease of corrosion rate with time.     

Electrochemical studies of packed iron powder electrodes: Effects of common constituents of natural waters on corrosion potential

Using a powder disk electrode (PDE) made with micron-sized, high purity iron metal we investigated how the corrosion of this material is affected by solution conditions that are relevant to the degradation of contaminants in environmental remediation applications. Changes in corrosion potential (E_corr) with time showed that low pH, high concentrations of chloride, and natural organic matter led to breakdown of the passive film. Bicarbonate caused E_corr to decline rapidly into the active potential region, but then E_corr rose back into the passive region over 10s of hours. The rate of decline in E_corr was greatest at higher pHs, suggesting a specific effect of rather than a general effect of pH.     

Comparison of early stages of copper corrosion in sulfate, chloride, humic and soil media

Early stages of copper corrosion behavior in NaCl, Na₂SO₄, humic acid and Tunisian soil have been examined using surface analysis (OM and AFM) as well as polarization curves. For different media, ranking has been established using R _q, E _corr, β_a, β_c, I _corr, B, R _p and E _b. The results reveal that patina formed at the Cu/Tunisian soil interface is the most protective covering.     

Effect of Nitrogen Partial Pressure on the Electrochemical Evaluation of (Ti-A1)N Coatings Deposited by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering

Titanium aluminium nitride films were deposited on stainless steel substrates by reactive magnetron sputtering under various nitrogen partial pressures, using a composite target consisting of alternate arc segments of titanium and aluminium. Electrochemical evaluation of these coatings, carried out by the potentiodynamic measurement technique in deaerated 1N H₂S0₄ solution at room temperature, has shown that initially there is a rapid increase in corrosion resistance of the coatings with increase in partial pressure of nitrogen; a further increase in nitrogen partial pressure leads to a much lower increase in the corrosion rate. The corrosion potential (E_corr) increased from -339.8 to -268.0 mV with the increase in nitrogen partial pressure from 0.18 to 0.63 mtorr. With further increase in partial pressure of nitrogen to 1.08 mtorr, E_corr decreased to -303.6 mV. The corrosion current density (I_corr) was found to be least 4.6 μA cm^?2 at nitrogen partial pressure of 1.08 mtorr. Coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction phase analysis, which showed the presence of microcrystalline cubic TiN structure for nitrogen partial pressures of up to 0.88 mtorr. A cubic TiN plus hexagonal AIN structure was present at 0.98 mtorr, while only hexagonal AIN structure was observed at 1.08 mtorr nitrogen partial pressure. Surface hardness measured by microhardness tester using a Knoop indenter showed an increase in surface hardness values with increase in partial pressure of nitrogen. The maximum hardness of 2790 HK₂₅ was observed at a nitrogen partial pressure of 0.98 mtorr. At nitrogen partial pressure of 1.08 mtorr the hardness value decreased drastically to 1746 HK₂₅     

Electrochemical corrosion and impedance study of SAE1045 steel under gel-like environment

To present simulative study on corrosion of metal by sewage sludge, three kinds of gel-like systems based on SiO₂ gel and polyacrylamide gel are proposed. Comparative results of electrochemical polarization and impedance studies together with coupon test of SAE1045 steel under these gel-like surroundings and deionized water are investigated. Obvious pitting corrosion characteristic of the steel can be seen in gel-like systems with decreasing I_corr and more negative value of E_corr. It is considered to be caused by electric field concentration effect at defected sites in covering layer on the surface of the steel formed by gel particles.     

Preventing or accelerating galvanic corrosion through the application of a proper external magnetic field

The effect of an external magnetic field on the corrosion behaviour of a galvanic couple, zinc (Zn)–stainless steel (SS 316L), has been investigated in a 0·055 mol L^?1 potassium chloride (KCl) solution. The impact of the orientation as well as the magnetic flux density B (Wb m^?2) on the corrosion progression of the galvanic couple, is evaluated heuristically by monitoring the corrosion potential E_corr (mV) and the current density I_corr (μA cm^?2) of the system. A strong influence of the magnitude and orientation of the magnetic field on the Zn–SS316L galvanic couple corrosion was observed, whereas the field was proven to act either protective or accelerating in terms of corrosion.     

Corrosion characterization of microarc oxidation coatings formed on Mg–7Li alloy

Ceramic coatings with thickness of 27 µm were fabricated on Mg–7Li alloy in Na₂SiO₃–C₆H₁₈O₂₄P₆ solution by microarc oxidation (MAO). The morphology and phase composition of MAO coatings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion behavior of the bare and MAO coated Mg–7Li alloy was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Results showed that the MAO coatings were composed of MgO, Li₂O, and Mg₂SiO₄, and there existed some micropores on the coating surface with a diameter of 3–20 µm. The corrosion potential (E_corr) and corrosion current density (I_corr) of the MAO coated alloy were about ?1.4761 V and 7.204 × 10^?7 A/cm², respectively. The E_corr of the MAO coated alloy increased by 109.6 mV and its I_corr decreased by three orders compared with that of the bare Mg–7Li alloy. The EIS plots indicated that the impedance of the MAO coated alloy was 15 times higher than that of the bare alloy. The fitting parameters showed that the resistance of the MAO coatings was far greater than that of the bare alloy. The dense intermediate layer and the transition layer of the MAO coatings acted as a barrier to hinder the proceeding of solution permeation, remarkably improving the corrosion resistance of the Mg–7Li alloy.     

The influence of moisture on the oxidation rate of iron in NaNO3 and KNO3 melts

The open circuit potential (E_corr) and oxidation rate (I_corr) of iron were measured in dry and wet NaNO₃ and KNO₃ melts at 340 °C. A shift of E_corr in the positive direction and a higher oxidation rate were observed in wet melts in comparison with dry melts. The oxidation rate was almost 55% higher in KNO₃ melts than in NaNO₃ melts. To ascertain the effect of moisture on the cathodic reaction, a cyclic voltammetry study was carried out on platinum surface in dry and wet conditions of the melt. An increase of cathodic current in the presence of moisture in the melt is in good agreement with the increased oxidation rate of iron. A proportionate increase of oxidation rate was also noted in wet NaNO₃ and KNO₃ melts to those in their dry melts.     

Corrosion characterization of new tin-silver binary alloys in nitric acid solutions

Electrochemical techniques were used to characterize the corrosion behavior of four new binary alloys xSn-Ag (x = 26, 50, 70 and 96.5 wt%) alloys and their individual metal components in nitric acid solutions. The experimental data were collected by using open-circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Over the concentration range studied (0.075-4.5 M), each of the two corrosion parameters (E_corr and i_corr) shows a regular dependency on both the alloy composition and the solution concentration. In general, for all studied samples, especially pure Ag and those with lower Sn contents (26 and 50 wt%), increasing the acid concentration increases i_corr, meanwhile causes a shift of the corresponding E_corr towards more positive values. This is probably due to the increase in the effect of cathodic depolarizer as the nitric acid concentration is increased. EIS results at the free corrosion potential confirmed well this behavior, where at concentrations ?1.5 M the thickness of the surface film increases while its resistance decreases with increasing tin wt%, indicating formation of less protective thicker film. However, at higher concentrations all samples exhibit identical behavior.     

The corrosion inhibition of Ti-alloy (VT-9) in mixture of H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-NaF by organic compounds

This investigation deals with corrosion behavior of high strength titanium alloy in concentrated sulphuric acid solution containing different concentrations (500, 1000, 1500 ppm) of fluoride ion (F⁻) using various organic compounds (MPA, L-OH, NFP) as inhibitor, potentiodynamically. The open circuit potential values noted before and after each experiment, varied appreciably. These values were negative before polarization but after completion of the experiment turned positive and remained stable over long period of time. It is observed that cathodic current density values increase with increasing cathodic potential (more negative) and fluoride ion. The values of cathodic Tafel slopes derived from the curves (∼110 − 140 mV/dec I) indicate hydrogen evolution reaction (h.e.r). The corrosion potential (E _corr) varied slightly with addition of inhibitors. The corrosion current densities (I _corr) increased with increasing fluoride ion concentration, but these values decreased appreciably when inhibitor (MPA) was used. SEM micrograph reveals reduction of pits in the presence of inhibitor (MPA). So this concludes that organic compound was used in this case acts as a good inhibitor. The article is published in the original.     

Influence of biofilms growth on corrosion potential of metals immersed in seawater

The changes of corrosion potential (E_corr) of metals immersed in seawater were investigated with electrochemical technology and epifluoresence microscopy. In natural seawater, changes of E_corr were determined by the surface corrosion state of the metal. E_corr of passive metals exposed to natural seawater shifted to noble direction for about 150 mV in one day and it didn't change in sterile seawater. The in‐situ observation showed that biofilms settled on the surfaces of passive metals when E_corr moved in noble direction. The bacteria number increased on the metal surface according to exponential law and it was in the same way with the ennoblement of E_corr. The attachment of bacteria during the initial period played an important role in the ennoblement of E_corr and it is believed that the carbohydrate and protein in the biofilm are reasons for this phenomenon. The double layer capacitance (C_dl) of passive metals decreased with time when immersed in natural seawater, while remained almost unchanged in sterile seawater. The increased thickness and reduced dielectric constant of C_dl may be reasons.     

Galvanic currents and corrosion rates of reinforcements measured in cells simulating different pitting areas caused by chloride attack in sodium hydroxide

Chlorides induce localized corrosion in the reinforcement. The pits formed a substantial reduction in the cross-sectional area. The smaller is the ratio between the size of the corrosion spot and the surrounding passive metal area acting as cathode, the higher is the corrosion rate or the progression in the pit depth. This, however, is not always the case. To understand well the macro or microcell behavior of the corrosion of reinforcements, this paper reports a study on the effect of decreasing sizes of anodic zones until relatively small, maintaining the size of the cathode constant. In addition, to enhance the pure anodic behavior of the corroding zone, an acidic solution was used as an anolyte. Measuring the galvanic current (I_g) and the corrosion rate (I_corr) by using zero resistance ammeter (ZRA) and polarization resistance (R_p) techniques, respectively, was crucial to differentiate the microcell contribution from that of the macrocell. The results indicate that while I_g increased as the anodic area decreased, I_corr presented a maximum for the area ratios, S_A/S_C = 1/3.     

Relationship between the ennoblement of passive metals and microbe adsorption kinetics in seawater

The relationship between microbial colonization of two kinds of passive metals and ennobling of their corrosion potentials (E_corr) were studied. Two types of passive metal coupons were exposed to natural seawater for about ten days. Under laboratory conditions, all corrosion potentials of the samples ennobled for about 200 mV. Epifluorescence microscopy showed that bacteria adsorption was the main process during about the first day immersion and bacteria reproduced in the following days. The bacteria number increased on the metal surface according to an exponential law and the kinetics of bacteria adsorption at the metal surface during this period was proposed. The ennoblement of E_corr was similar to the increasing bacteria number: E_corr increased quickly during the bacteria adsorption process and increased slowly after biofilms had formed.     

Investigation of the Corrosion Inhibition of CTAB and SDS on Carbon Steel Using an Experimental Design Strategy

The corrosion inhibition performance of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) on carbon steel was investigated in sodium chloride solutions. Using an experimental design strategy pH, chloride concentration, SDS/CTAB concentrations, and temperature were optimized by conducting only 30 experiments. The optimum value of each factor was obtained from the designed matrix of the experiments based on the lowest log I _corr value calculated for each experimental condition. The 3D surface plots of the electrochemical response (log I _corr) against each factor were constructed. The optimum conditions in which the lowest log I _corr can be achieved were found as follows: pH 12, [Cl^?] ≈ 1 M, [SDS] ≈ 200 ppm, [CTAB] ≈ 20 ppm, and T ≈ 10 °C.     

Structural, morphological and electrical properties of spray deposited CdIn2Se4 thin films

Semiconducting n-CdIn₂Se₄ thin films have been deposited on to the amorphous and fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates using spray pyrolysis technique. The influence of solution concentration on to the photoelectrochemical, structural, morphological, compositional, thermal and electrical properties has been investigated. The PEC characterization shows that the short circuit current (I_sc) and open circuit voltage (V_oc) are at their optimum values (I_sc = 1.04 mA and V_oc = 409 mV) at the optimized precursor concentration (12.5 mM). The structural analysis shows the films are polycrystalline in nature having cubic crystal structure. The average crystallite size determined was in the range of 50-66 nm. Surface morphology and film composition have been analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis by X-rays, respectively. The addition of solution concentration induces a decrease in the electrical resistivity of CdIn₂Se₄ films up to 12.5 mM solution concentration. The type of semiconductor was examined from thermoelectric power measurement.     

Electrochemical behavior of anodized Mg alloy AZ91D in chloride containing aqueous solution

Electrochemical behavior in aerated 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution of Mg alloy AZ91D anodized or not has been investigated by using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization and E_corr-t curve. Their microstructures before and after corrosion have been examined under scanning electron microscope. Testing results from E_corr-t and polarization curves indicate that the corrosion behavior of Mg alloy makes significant, characteristic changes due to anodization. Impedance spectra obtained show a regular evolution with exposure time revealing the development of corrosion damage. SEM micrographs confirm that there are pores, defects and microcracks in anodic film which determine the existence of film-vulnerable regions. Electrochemical data are combined with micrographs to explain protection mechanism of anodic film and corrosion mechanism of Mg alloy.