Electrochemical Characterization of Al86Ce10TM4 (TM=Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) Amorphous Alloys

Electrochemical behavior of Al86Ce10TM4 (TM=Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) amorphous alloys was studied. The amorphous alloys exhibit corrosion resistance and mechanical hardness substantially higher than the traditional Al alloys on merit of electrochemical homogeneity, self-passivating and lattice strengthening of the amorphous matrix. Annealing crystallization of the amorphous alloys can furthermore promote these properties significantly due to the added effect of metallic nano-crystals tessellated in the amorphous matrix in mechanisms of anti-corrosion enhancement and precipitate hardening. The oxide films grown on the amorphous alloys at 630°C in static air provide superior corrosion resistance due to the resilient blockage of the oxide layers to the environment. The results manifest amorphous Al86Ce10TM4 (TM=Fe, Co, Ni and Cu) alloys present distinguished electrochemical and mechanical properties and thus have potential aerospace and defence applications in terms of their mechanical strength (800~1200 MPa), high temperature endurance (300~420°C and anti-oxidation (630°C) and corrosion resistance (10-6~10-8 A/cm2).