Deciphering the potentiodynamic polarization curves of iron aluminides Fe3Al and Fe3Al + Cr

The potentiodynamic polarization curves of Fe₃Al and Fe₃Al + Cr intermetallics obtained in aerated pH 4 H₂SO₄ acidic solution have been theoretically analyzed. The role of chromium in minimizing the hydrogen embrittlement (HE) of the intermetallic Fe₃Al (resulting in its poor ductility) has been addressed based on the analysis. In the case of the chromium-alloyed iron aluminide, calculations indicate that hydrogen liberation does not occur on the surface due to the shift of the corrosion mixed potential to a value nobler than the electrode potential for the hydrogen evolution reaction. This shift occurs due to the induction of passivity on alloying with Cr resulting in the formation of a passive film. The minimization of HE of iron aluminides on alloying with Cr can thus be understood.