Interfacial morphology and corrosion-wear behavior of cast Fe-3.5 wt.% B steel in liquid zinc

Abstract The corrosion-wear behavior of Fe-3.5 wt.%B steel in liquid zinc was investigated via the block-against-ring technique. Owing to the protective ability of the Fe 2 B phase, this steel exhibited better corrosion-wear resistance than a 316L stainless steel. SEM, XRD, and EDS of the corrosion-wear interface indicated that the corrosion-wear process of Fe-3.5 wt.%B steel consists of the following steps: corrosion of the matrix, fragmentation and removal of FeZn 13 , and failure of the Fe 2 B. The intensified mechanical effect of wear resulted in significant deterioration (via fracture and removal of FeZn 13 , and spallation Fe 2 B) of corrosion-wear interface, which exacerbated corrosion, and facilitated the corrosion-wear process.