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arXiv · 1402.3318

Element-Resolved Corrosion Analysis of Stainless-Type Glass-Forming Steels

M. J. Duarte·J. Klemm·S. O. Klemm·K. J. J. Mayrhofer·M. Stratmann·S. Borodin·A. H. Romero·M. Madinehe·D. Crespo·J. Serrano·S. S. A. Gerstl·P. P. Choi·D. Raabe·F. U. Renner
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Abstract

Ultrathin passive films effectively prevent the chemical attack of stainless steel grades in corrosive environments; their stability critically depends on the interplay between structure and chemistry of the constituents Fe-Cr-Mo. In particular, nanoscale inhomogeneities along the surface can have a tremendous impact on material failure, but are yet barely understood. Addressing a stainless-type glass-forming Fe50Cr15Mo14C15B6 alloy and utilizing a combination of complementary high-resolution analytical techniques, we relate near-atomistic insight into different gradual nanostructures with time- and element-resolved dissolution behavior. The progressive elemental segregation on the nanoscale is followed in its influence on the concomitant degree of passivity. A detrimental transition from Cr-controlled passivity to Mo-controlled breakdown is dissected atom-by-atom demonstrating the importance of nanoscale knowledge for understanding corrosion.

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M. J. Duarte, J. Klemm, S. O. Klemm, K. J. J. Mayrhofer, M. Stratmann, S. Borodin, A. H. Romero, M. Madinehe, D. Crespo, J. Serrano, S. S. A. Gerstl, P. P. Choi, D. Raabe, F. U. Renner. 2014-02-13. Element-Resolved Corrosion Analysis of Stainless-Type Glass-Forming Steels. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1230081

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