Aqueous Corrosion Behavior of Iron aluminide Intermetallics

Iron aluminide intermetallics based on DO3 ordered structure are being developed for use as structural materials and cladding material for conventional engineering alloys. Aqueous corrosion behavior of iron aluminides has been studied extensively by electrochemical techniques. Studies were carried out on pure Fe (99.9%), Fe-28Al (at.%), Fe-28Al-3Cr (at.%), and AISI SS 304 so as to compare and contrast their behavior in same experimental condition. Polarization behavior under different pH conditions was examined to evaluate their performance in acidic, basic, and neutral solutions. Pitting behavior was also studied in solution containing Cl−1 ions. The stability of the passive film formed was studied by current time transients and potential decay profiles. The presence of 3 at.% Cr in iron aluminides was found to improve the aqueous corrosion resistance and makes it comparable to AISI SS 304.