Study on the correlation between microstructures and corrosion properties of novel ZrTiAlV alloys

In this work, microstructures and corrosion behaviors of novel ZrTiAl-χV (χ = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7 wt%) alloys have been investigated. Phase composition and microstructures of the specimens are characterized using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results show that phase composition of the alloys change by α' → α″ → α″ + β → β as V is added gradually. Meanwhile, the mean size of the α' phase, α″ martensite and β phase decreases as V content increases. In order to test the corrosion performance of the specimens, potentiodynamic polarization tests in NaCl and HCl solutions and immersion tests in HCl solution are performed. Analysis of potentiodynamic potential curves indicates that corrosion potential increases and corrosion current density decreases with adding V content in the examined alloys. From the results of weight loss tests, it can be observed that the weight loss of the examined alloys decreases along with the increase of V content. In addition, when the content of V is added from 3 to 7 wt%, the metastable corrosion pits are replaced with the stable corrosion pits. The phase composition as well as the grain size can be identified as the main factor affecting the corrosion performance of the alloys.