Interfacial morphology and corrosion-wear behavior of cast Fe-3.5 wt.% B steel in liquid zinc

Abstract The corrosion-wear behavior of Fe-3.5 wt.%B steel in liquid zinc was investigated via the block-against-ring technique. Owing to the protective ability of the Fe2B phase, this steel exhibited better corrosion-wear resistance than a 316L stainless steel. SEM, XRD, and EDS of the corrosion-wear interface indicated that the corrosion-wear process of Fe-3.5 wt.%B steel consists of the following steps: corrosion of the matrix, fragmentation and removal of FeZn13, and failure of the Fe2B. The intensified mechanical effect of wear resulted in significant deterioration (via fracture and removal of FeZn13, and spallation Fe2B) of corrosion-wear interface, which exacerbated corrosion, and facilitated the corrosion-wear process.