Understanding effect of 3.5 wt.% NaCl on the corrosion of Al0.1CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy

Abstract High entropy alloys are a new class of metallic materials with potential for use in a wide variety of applications including their use in corrosive environment. The present study focused on the corrosion behavior of a single-phase, face-centered cubic high entropy alloy (HEA) Al0.1CoCrFeNi in as-cast condition, and the results are compared with the corrosion behavior of the SS304. The microstructural characterization of the alloys in as-received condition was carried out using optical microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Corrosion behavior was studied using potentiodynamic polarization test in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy at room temperature. It was observed that the general corrosion resistance of the HEA was better than that of SS304. Pitting potential of the HEA was found to be superior to that of the SS304. Corrosion pits size was slightly smaller in SS304 than that in the HEA. 3D imaging determined that the pit depths were of the same order in both cases. Overall, the HEA Al0.1CoCrFeNi demonstrated a better resistance to general and pitting corrosion.