Effect of cold deformation on the corrosion behavior of ZrTiNb alloys in an anodic environment of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis

The effect of cold deformation levels on the corrosion behavior of ZrTiNb alloys in an anodic environment of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis was investigated. The findings revealed that cold deformation facilitated the formation of alpha" martensite and the accumulation of dislocations near deformation bands. The protective quality of the passive film decreased up to 50 % deformation but improved at 75 %. Nb 2 O 5 plays a major role in the protectiveness of passive film. Additionally, crystal orientation selective corrosion was observed, with higher deformation intensifying the corrosion rate. Annealing improved corrosion resistance by producing smaller recrystallization grains.