Corrosion Resistance of 2014 Aluminium Matrix Composites Reinforced with Atomised Ni3Al

The corrosion resistance of 2014 aluminium matrix composites has been evaluated. The base alloy was manufactured through mechanical alloying, and reinforced with Ni₃Al (manufactured through atomisation). Composite materials were manufactured according to the following procedure: mixing, cold uniaxial compacting, and hot extrusion. All materials were tested as extruded and heat treated (T6 condition). Corrosion tests were carried out following ASTM standard methods G69 (measurement of corrosion potentials) and G110 (evaluation of intergranular corrosion). The influence that the intermetallic and T6 heat treatment have on the corrosion resistance of 2014 aluminium alloy has been studied. Results show that atomised Ni₃Al improves the intergranular corrosion resistance of base aluminium by a mechanism of cathodic protection. T6 heat treatment is also favourable.