Influence of reinforcement proportion and matrix composition on pitting corrosion behaviour of cast aluminium matrix composites (A3xx.x/SiCp)

The influence of silicon carbide (SiCp) proportion and matrix composition on four aluminium metal matrix composites (A360/SiC/10p, A360/SiC/20p, A380/SiC/10p, A380/SiC/20p) immersed in 1-3.5 wt% NaCl at 22 °C was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization. The kinetics of the corrosion process was studied on the basis of gravimetric measurements. The nature of corrosion products was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and low angle X-ray diffraction (XRD). The corrosion damage in Al/SiCp composites was caused by pitting attack and by nucleation and growth of Al₂O₃ · 3H₂O on the material surface. The main attack nucleation sites were the interface region between the matrix and the reinforcement particles. The corrosion process was influenced more by the concentration of alloy elements in the matrix than by the proportion of SiCp reinforcement and saline concentration.     

Effect of La Surface Coatings on Oxidation Behavior of Aluminum Alloy/SiCp Composites

The oxidation behavior of aluminum-matrix-composites (A3 xx.x/SiCp) has been studied after La deposition with conversion and electrolytic treatments. Kinetics data of the corrosion process were obtained from gravimetric tests performed at different temperatures (350, 425 and 500°C). The nature of the corrosion products and the influence of the microstructure on the morphology and growth of the oxidation layer were analyzed by scanning-electron and atomic-force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The extent of oxidation degradation in untreated composites was characterized by a phenomenon of oxidation preferentially localized in matrix/SiCp interfaces favoring MgO formation. La coatings favored a homogeneous oxidation of the composite surface favoring MgAl₂O₄ spinel formation. In addition, this oxide increased the surface hardness of materials.     

Corrosion behaviour of a magnesium matrix composite with a silicate plasma electrolytic oxidation coating

The corrosion behaviour of AZ92 magnesium alloy reinforced with various volume fractions of silicon carbide particles (SiCp) and treated by alternating current (AC) plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) was investigated in humid and saline environments. For untreated composites, corrosion attack started around the Al-Mn inclusions and gradually developed into general corrosion without significant galvanic coupling between the matrix and the SiCp. PEO coatings consisted mainly of MgO and Mg₂SiO₄, and revealed increased hardness, reduced thickness and slightly higher corrosion resistance with increasing proportion of reinforcement. Pit formation and hydration of the outer layer were the main mechanisms of corrosion of PEO-treated specimens.     

Influence of hydrothermal treatment temperature on oxidation modification of C/C composites with aluminum phosphates solution by a microwave hydrothermal process

Carbon/carbon (C/C) composites were modified with an aluminum phosphates solution by a novel microwave hydrothermal (MH) process in order to improve their low temperature oxidation resistance. Results show that a H₃PO₄ or HPO₃ continuous molten layer with some regular, white cubic Al(PO₃)₃ crystallites are obtained on the surface of the modified composites. The anti-oxidation property of the composites after modification improves with the increase of the MH temperature from 393 to 473 K. The oxidation rate is almost constant after oxidation at 873 K for 6 h. The formation of annular structure of Al(PO₃)₃ is helpful to improve the oxidation resistance of the composites.     

Influence of Ce surface treatments on corrosion behaviour of A3xx.x/SiCp composites in 3.5 wt.% NaCl

The influence of silicon carbide particles (SiCp) proportion and matrix composition on aluminium metal matrix composites A3xx.x/SiCp modified by cerium-based conversion or electrolysis coating was evaluated in 3.5 wt.% NaCl at 22 °C using potentiodynamic polarization and gravimetric measurements. Ce-treated surfaces presented better corrosion behaviour in chloride media than original composite surfaces without treatment. Both treatments preferentially covered the intermetallic compounds and SiCp. The electrolysis afforded a higher degree of protection than conversion treatment because the coating was more extensive. Coating microstructure and nature of corrosion products were analysed by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy (SEM, AFM) and low angle X-ray diffraction (XRD).     

Oxidation protection of C/SiC coated carbon/carbon composites with Si–Mo coating at high temperature

To protect carbon/carbon (C/C) composites against oxidation, a Si–Mo coating was prepared on C/SiC-coated C/C composites by a simple slurry method. The microstructure of the coating was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectra. Results showed that the coating was mainly composed of SiC, MoSi₂ and Si. It could protect C/C composites from oxidation at 1873 K in air for 300 h and withstand 13 thermal cycles between room temperature and 1873 K. The excellent oxidation and thermal shock resistance of the coating was attributed to the formation of dense SiO₂ glass at high temperature. The volatilization of MoO₃ and SiO₂ at 1873 K was the main reason of the weight loss of the coated C/C composites.     

C/SiC/MoSi2–Si multilayer coatings for carbon/carbon composites for protection against oxidation

To improve the oxidation resistance of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites, a C/SiC/MoSi₂–Si multilayer oxidation protective coating was prepared by slurry and pack cementation. The microstructure of the as-prepared coating was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The isothermal oxidation and erosion resistance of the coating was investigated in electrical furnace and high temperature wind tunnel. The results showed that the multilayer coating could effectively protect C/C composites from oxidation in air for 300 h at 1773 K and 103 h at 1873 K, and the coated samples was fractured after erosion for 27 h at 1873 K h in wind tunnel. The weight loss of the coated specimens was considered to be caused by the formation of penetration cracks in the coating. The fracture of the coated C/C composites might result from the excessive local stress in the coating.     

Comparison of morphology and microstructure of ablation centre of C/SiC composites by oxy-acetylene torch at 2900 and 3550 °C

High-temperature application above 1600 °C of C/SiC composites requires evaluation of the ablation properties. The C/SiC composites were prepared by low pressure chemical vapor infiltration using CH₃SiCl₃ as precursor. As-prepared C/SiC composites were ablated by oxy-acetylene flame with the temperature of 2900 and 3550 °C. Above 3550 °C, subliming of carbon fiber and silicon carbide matrix was the main ablation behaviour. At 2900 °C, thermal decomposition and oxidation of SiC matrix were the main ablation behaviour. A carbon coating resulted from the pyrolysis of the acetylene prevented the C/SiC from oxidizing dramatically.     

Effect of ozone adsorption on the oxidation behaviour of ZrB2–SiC ceramic composites

Ceramics of ZrB₂–20 vol.% SiC were prepared by hot pressing method, and ozone (O₃) was adsorbed on the surface of the ceramics. Then the as-adsorbed ceramics were oxidized in air and the effect of ozone adsorption on the oxidation behaviour of the ceramic composites was analyzed. The experimental results indicate that adsorption of ozone promotes the oxidation of the ceramic composites, especially for the SiC. In addition, more silica glass formed promotes the formation and crystal growth of zircon.     

Influence of Reinforcement Content and Matrix Composition on the Oxidation Resistance of Aluminum-Matrix Composites (A3xx.x/SiCp)

A study was made on the influence of the SiCp proportion and the matrix concentration of four composites (A360/SiC/10p, A360/SiC/20p, A380/SiC/10p, A380/SiC/20p) on their oxidation behavior. Gravimetric tests were used in a kinetics study of the corrosion process at different temperatures (350, 400, 450, and 500°C). The influence of corrosion on mechanical properties was evaluated by hardness measurements. The nature of corrosion products and the influence of the microstructure on the morphology and growth of the oxidation layer were analyzed by SEM and low-angle XRD. The extent of the damage due to oxidation for Al/SiCp composites increases with the SiCp concentration due to the increase of nucleation sites. One of these nucleation sites is in the interface region between the matrix and the particles. Oxidation was influenced more by the percentage of alloy elements in the matrix than by the proportion of SiCp reinforcement. The presence of Cu and Ni in the matrix favors the oxidation process through the formation of different intermetallic compounds.     

C/SiC/MoSi2–SiC–Si multilayer coating for oxidation protection of carbon/carbon composites

C/SiC/MoSi₂–SiC–Si oxidation protective multilayer coating for carbon/carbon (C/C) composites was prepared by pack cementation and slurry method. The microstructure, element distribution and phase composition of the as-received coating were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results show that the multilayer coating was composed of MoSi₂, SiC and Si. It could effectively protect C/C composites against oxidation for 200 h with the mass loss of 3.25% at 1873 K in static air. The mass loss of the coated C/C composites results from the volatilization of SiO₂ and the formation of cracks and bubble holes in the coating.     

The oxidation behavior and mechanical properties of MoSi2–CrSi2–SiC–Si coated carbon/carbon composites in high-temperature oxidizing atmosphere

A MoSi₂–CrSi₂–SiC–Si multi-component coating was prepared on the surface of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites by a two-step pack cementation method. The microstructure, oxidation behavior and mechanical properties of the coating were studied. These results show that the multi-component coating could protect the C/C composites from oxidation in air at 1873 K for 300 h and withstand 30 thermal cycles between 1873 K and room temperature, respectively. The mass loss and mechanical property loss of the coated C/C composites are considered due to the worse fluidity of SiO₂ at intermediate temperatures and the thermal mismatch between the coating and C/C composites.     

Corrosion behaviour of magnesium/aluminium alloys in 3.5 wt.% NaCl

Corrosion behaviour of commercial magnesium/aluminium alloys (AZ31, AZ80 and AZ91D) was investigated by electrochemical and gravimetric tests in 3.5 wt.% NaCl at 25 °C. Corrosion products were analysed by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and low-angle X-ray diffraction. Corrosion damage was mainly caused by formation of a Mg(OH)₂ corrosion layer. AZ80 and AZ91D alloys revealed the highest corrosion resistance. The relatively fine β-phase (Mg₁₇Al₁₂) network and the aluminium enrichment produced on the corroded surface were the key factors limiting progression of the corrosion attack. Preferential attack was located at the matrix/β-phase and matrix/MnAl intermetallic compounds interfaces.     

Influence of nitridation on the oxidation of a 304 steel at 800 °C

This paper presents a study on the oxide growth on a AISI 304 chromia-forming alloy, in air at 800 °C. After the nitridation treatment was performed on the steel surface, a γ_N solid solution is detected. In this case, no nitride formation in the alloy surface could be observed. In situ X-ray diffraction has been used to follow the oxides evolution at testing temperature. At the beginning of the oxidation test, CrN is formed together with Fe₂O₃. Nevertheless, Cr₂O₃ quickly appears and leads to a protective oxide scale formation growing according to a parabolic rate law. During oxidation in situ X-ray diffraction also shows that Fe₂O₃ is transformed into FeCr₂O₄. Our results show that nitridation increases the high temperature oxidation resistance of 304 steels at 800 °C.     

A MoSi2/SiC oxidation protective coating for carbon/carbon composites

To protect carbon/carbon (C/C) composites against oxidation, a MoSi₂ outer coating was prepared on pack-cementation SiC coated C/C composites by a hydrothermal electrophoretic deposition. The phase composition, microstructure and oxidation resistance of the prepared MoSi₂/SiC coatings were investigated. Results show that hydrothermal electrophoretic deposition is an effective route to achieve crack-free MoSi₂ outer coatings. The MoSi₂/SiC coating can protect C/C composites from oxidation at 1773 K for 346 h with a weight loss of 2.49 mg cm⁻² and at 1903 K for 88 h with a weight loss of 5.68 mg cm⁻².     

Comparison of thermal and ablation behaviors of C/SiC composites and C/ZrB2-SiC composites

A comparison was presented of the thermal and ablation behaviors of two carbon fiber reinforced ceramic-matrix composites (one with a SiC matrix and the other with a ZrB₂-SiC matrix). The C/SiC composite possessed a lower thermal conductivity (TC) and a higher emissivity in comparison to the C/ZrB₂-SiC composite. The two composites exhibited the good ablation-resistive properties with no obvious erosion rate after the arc-heated wind tunnel ablation tests. The surface of the C/SiC composite appeared to be coarse and had many rounded protrusions while a denser and more homogeneous glass oxide scale was formed for the C/ZrB₂-SiC composite. The maximum surface and back side temperatures of the C/ZrB₂-SiC composite were about 50 °C lower than those of the C/SiC composite, respectively, which was mainly attributed to the evaporation of the B₂O₃ as well as its higher TC.     

The role of microstructure in the high temperature oxidation mechanism of Cr3C2-NiCr composite coatings

Composites of Cr₃C₂-NiCr provide superior oxidation resistance to WC-Co composites, which has seen them applied extensively to components subjected to combined high temperature erosion and oxidation. This work characterises the variation in oxidation mechanism of thermally sprayed Cr₃C₂-NiCr composites at 700 °C and 850 °C as a function of heat treatment. Carbide dissolution during spraying increased the Ni alloy Cr concentration, minimising the formation of Ni oxides during oxidation. Compressive growth stresses resulted in ballooning of the oxide over the carbide grains. Carbide nucleation with heat treatment reduced the Ni alloy Cr concentration. The oxidation mechanism of the composite coating changed from being Cr based to that observed for NiCr alloys.     

Cyclic oxidation behaviour of Ti3Al-based alloy with Ni-Cr protective layer

The influence of a thin 80Ni-20Cr (at.%) protective coating on the cyclic oxidation of a Ti-24Al-11Nb (at.%) alloy based on Ti₃Al at 600 and 900 °C in air was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The results of the oxidation tests showed that deposited Ni-Cr layer provides an improved oxidation resistance due to the formation of protective oxide scale which barriers the outward Ti diffusion into the scale. In some extent surface formation of the nitride layer also prevents diffusion of alloying elements from the matrix. Although oxidation at 900 °C is faster than that at 600 °C, a remarkable reduction in mass gain of the alloy with protective coating was observed. The thickness of oxide scale on the coated samples is approximately two times less than that formed on the uncoated samples treated under the same exposure conditions (120 h).     

High temperature oxidation of γ/γ′-strengthened Co-base superalloys

Isothermal oxidation was carried out on new γ/γ′ Co-base superalloys of the system Co–Al–W–B. Appropriate B-contents lead to improved oxidation resistance and oxide layer adhesion. Oxidation at 800 and 900 °C results in formation of Co₃O₄, CoO, and complex oxides (containing Co, Al, and W). A continuous and protective inner alumina layer forms only at 800 °C. Furthermore, oxidation leads to phase transformation (γ/γ′ to γ/Co₃W microstructure) at the matrix/oxide layer interface due to Al-depletion. The effect of additional alloying elements such as Ta, Cr, Nb, Si, V, Mo, and Ir on the oxidation behaviour was also investigated.     

B2O3 modified SiC–MoSi2 oxidation resistant coating for carbon/carbon composites by a two-step pack cementation

To protect carbon/carbon (C/C) composites against oxidation, a B₂O₃ modified SiC–MoSi₂ coating was prepared by a two-step pack cementation. The microstructure and the oxidation resistant property of the coating were studied. The results show that, the as-received coating is a dense structure, and is composed of α-SiC, β-SiC and MoSi₂. The B₂O₃ modified SiC–MoSi₂ coating has excellent oxidation resistant property, and can protect C/C composites from oxidation at 1773 K in air for more than 242 h. The failure of the coating was considered to arise from the existence of the penetration cracks in the coating during the slow cooling from 1873 to 673 K.