This chapter covers the tribological properties of stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant alloys. It describes the metallurgy and microstructure of the basic types of stainless steel and their suitability for friction and wear applications and in environments where they are subjected to liquid, droplet, and solid particle erosion. It also discusses the tribology of nickel- and cobalt-base alloys as well as titanium, zinc, tin, aluminum, magnesium, beryllium, graphite, and different types of wood.

Nickel and nickel alloys have an excellent combination of corrosion, oxidation, and heat resistance, combined with good mechanical properties. Nickel alloys can be divided into alloys that combine corrosion and heat resistance, superalloys for high-temperature applications, and special nickel alloys. Corrosion- and heat-resistant nickel alloys include commercially pure and low-alloy nickels, nickel-copper alloys, nickel-molybdenum and nickel-silicon alloys, nickel-chromium-iron alloys, nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys, and nickel-chromium-iron-molybdenum-copper alloys. Special nickel alloys include electrical-resistance alloys, low-expansion alloys, magnetically soft alloys, and shape memory alloys. This chapter discusses the metallurgy, nominal composition, properties, applications, advantages, and disadvantages of these alloys. It also provides information on cobalt wear-resistant alloys and cobalt corrosion-resistant alloys.

This chapter examines the hot corrosion resistance of various nickel- and cobalt-base alloys in gas turbines susceptible to high-temperature (Type I) and low-temperature (Type II) hot corrosion. Type I hot corrosion is typically characterized by a thick, porous layer of oxides with the underlying alloy matrix depleted in chromium, followed (below) by internal chromium-rich sulfides. Type II hot corrosion is characterized by pitting with little or no internal attack underneath. As the chapter explains, chromium additions make alloys more resistant to all types of hot corrosion attacks.

This article discusses the properties, behaviors, and uses of cobalt and its alloys. It explains how cobalt alloys are categorized and describes the commercial designations and grades that are available. It also provides composition information and explains how alloying elements and carbides affect toughness, hardness, ductility, and strength as well as resistance to heat, corrosion, and wear.