Abstract
The corrosion characteristics of two bespoke Ni-Cr-Mo-B alloy powders sprayed by the high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) process have been studied using potentiodynamic and potentiostatic corrosion analysis in 0.5M H2SO4. The deposits have also been microstructurally characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (utilising both secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electron (BE) modes), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results from the microstructural examination of the two alloys have revealed a predominantly amorphous/nanocrystalline (fcc) matrix containing submicron boride precipitates as well as regions of martensitically transformed laths. Apparent recrystallisation of the amorphous matrix has also been observed in the form of cellular crystals with an fcc structure. The oxide stringers observed at splat boundaries were found to be columnar grained α-Cr2O3, though regions of the spinel oxide NiCr2O4 with a globular morphology were also observed. The coatings of the two alloys exhibited comparable resistance to corrosion in 0.5M H2SO4, as revealed by potentiodynamic tests. They both had rest potentials approximately equal to -300mV(SCE) and passive region current densities of around 1mAcm-2. Microstructural examination of samples tested potentiostatically revealed the prevalence of degradation at splat boundaries, especially those where significant oxidation of the deposit had occurred.
