Structure and corrosion behavior of Al-Co-Ti alloy system

This paper aims to investigate ternary Al-Co-Ti alloy system with various Co compositions. Structural characterization of AlxCoy-2Ti2 alloys were performed by means of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical test. The effect of the addition of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 per cent Co and 2 per cent Ti on the structural evolution shows that both intermetallic compounds formation and structure morphology are related to corrosion resistance at the as-elaborated state as after subsequent heat treatment at 500°C during short time. According to the microstructural characterizations, the authors can notice that the substitution of Co has an important effect on the corrosion resistance and plays a role for the formation of the passive film.

The alloys in this study were obtained by a high-frequency induction fusion. Powders from Al, Co and Ti (99.999 per cent) in proportions defined according to the composition aimed of alloy have been used. The total mass of the sample to be elaborated lies between 8 and 10 g. Cold compaction was achieved for mixed powder intended for high fusion frequency (HF). For electrochemical tests, the sample was cut by a diamond wheel to obtain a square section of dimensions 1 cm². Afterward, this sample was connected with a Cu electrical wire. The last stage is the envelope in an acrylic resin realized in a plastic mold. The used electrolyte is a salt environment of 3.5 per cent NaCl (35 g of NaCl by liter of distilled water at room temperature [25 ± 1°C], aerated and with moderated agitation V = 250 r.min⁻¹). This mold is kept in ambient air for 10 min to allow the resin to solidify.

The aim of this work is to establish the influence of the addition of Co and Ti on structural change and related corrosion behavior improvement in Al. Particular attention is accorded to Al-15 per cent Co-2 per cent Ti alloy.

Among the studied alloys with different Co contents, a precise composition of 15 per cent Co and 2 per cent Ti appears to have interesting electrochemical characteristics regarding the corrosion potential, the corrosion current and particularly the corrosion rate, which is very small when compared to that of other alloys, as well in the as-solidified state than after heat treatment. This composition is located halfway between the stainless steel 304 and the Al-Fe and Al-Co-Ce alloys.