Erosion–corrosion behavior of Zr-based bulk metallic glass in saline-sand slurry

Bulk metallic glass (BMG) is supposed to have a good erosion–corrosion (E–C) resistance due to its high hardness and good corrosion resistance. To reveal the E–C behavior, Zr55Cu30Ni10Al5·BMG is investigated using a slurry pot erosion tester. Experimental results show the volume loss rate of BMG increases with an increase in the particle size, sand concentration or impact velocity. The corrosion current density and the synergism rate increase with the increasing impact velocity. During E–C process, the surface microstructure transforms gradually from pure amorphous to composite mixture of crystalline and amorphous phases. The E–C resistance of BMG is better than that of 304 stainless steel, but not as expected as its high hardness.

► Zr-based BMG has better E–C resistance than 304 stainless steel.
► The E–C rate was increased with the particle size, concentration and velocity.
► The surface microstructure evolved gradually from amorphous to composite structure.
► The corrosion current density and the synergism were increased with the velocity.
► The exponent n of BMG in the empirical power law relationship was about 3.6.