NaCl-induced high-temperature corrosion of β21S Ti alloy

Titanium alloys are very interesting for aeronautics applications because of their low density, high mechanical resistance and good resistance to corrosion in aggressive environments. However, recent developments impose the use of these materials at higher temperatures than those initially envisaged (above 400 °C), revealing some uncertainties of their behavior. Depending on the operating conditions, the material can be exposed to variable humidity levels and, in some cases, can be in contact with silica or marine salt. This study aims to evaluate the influence of NaCl solid deposit on the behavior of b21S Ti alloy at 560 °C under realistic ambient atmospheres. The tests were carried out in laboratory air and in water vapor-enriched air, on uncoated samples and on samples with solid NaCl deposit. The reaction-product evolution (up to 600 h) was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, SEM observations (surface and cross section), XRD and microhardness profiling on cross sections. An aggravation of the corrosion phenomena in the presence of NaCl solid deposit was observed, that was related to the presence of gaseous metal chlorides, leading to the establishment of an active corrosion process.