Corrosion behaviour of cermet-based coatings with a bond coat in 0.5 M H2SO4

The corrosion behaviour of an HVOF Ni–5Al/WC–17Co coating on Al-7075 is investigated in 0.5 M H₂SO₄. In the temperature range of 25–45 °C, the coating exhibits pseudopassivity that effectively protects from localized corrosion. At 25 °C, pseudopassivity proceeds via three stages: during the first stage, oxidation of W in the binder phase occurs. The second stage is characterized by oxidation of W in both the binder and the carbide particles. The third stage is characterized by intensive hydration of WO₃ and formation of Co₃O₄. During the second and third pseudopassive stages, the formation of a bi-layer surface film is postulated. The inner layer, consisting of anhydrous oxides, has a barrier character. The outer layer, composed of WO₃ · xH₂O, is unstable. In case of surface film disruption, the bond coat successfully hinders corrosion propagation into the Al-alloy. Higher electrolyte temperatures lead to faster corrosion kinetics and higher tendency for pitting.