Load-dependent tribocorrosion behaviour of nickel-aluminium bronze in artificial seawater

Dependence of the tribocorrosion behaviour of nickel-aluminium bronze (NAB) on load in artificial seawater was investigated. Results from electrochemical measurements revealed that, decreases in the corrosion potential and polarisation resistance were induced by increased load, implying an increased susceptibility to corrosion. Quantitative calculations indicated that the synergy of wear and corrosion was crucial, particularly for the corrosion-accelerated wear component, which combined with pure mechanical wear were the predominant cause of degradation of NAB. Moreover, selective α-phase corrosion behaviour was observed, with the boundaries of intermetallic κIII and κIV precipitates corroded preferentially.