Corrosion behaviors of a γ-toughened Cr13Ni5Si2/Cr3Ni5Si2 multi-phase ternary metal silicide alloy in NaCl solution

Corrosion behaviors of a novel corrosion-resistant γ-toughened Cr13Ni5Si2/Cr3Ni5Si2 multi-phase ternary metal silicide alloy and properties of the passive film formed in NaCl solution were examined by anodic polarization, cyclic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiments as well as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and potentiostatic polarization measurements. Effects of immersion time and chloride ion concentration on corrosion behaviors of the alloy were also evaluated. Results indicated that the alloy exhibited excellent corrosion resistance in NaCl solution due to the spontaneous formation of a compact and protective passive film composed mainly of chromium (III) oxide as well as the high chemical stability and strong inter-atomic bonds inherent to Cr13Ni5Si2 and Cr3Ni5Si2 intermetallic phases. Moreover, corrosion resistance of the alloy was quite insensitive to the increase of chloride ion concentration and was improved noticeably with the increasing immersion time.