| Abstract: | The electrochemical behaviour of the Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 amorphous alloy prepared as cylindrical bulk samples with 7 mm diameter has been investigated. Cyclic potentiodynamic polarization measurements carried out on the cross section areas of the samples in air-saturated and nitrogen-purged sulphate and hydroxide solutions, respectively, show that the alloy rapidly forms protective passive layers with low electron conductivity which are stable in a wide pH-value and potential range. Anodic layer formation reactions are characterized. In chloride containing electrolytes a pitting corrosion susceptibility of the bulk material exists. The effect of crystalline defects as active sites for the initiation of localized corrosion processes is critically discussed. |
