Effect of pressure on microstructure and corrosion resistance of RE65Co25Al10 (RE = Ce, La, Pr, Sm and Gd) metallic glass.

The effects of pressure treatment at room temperature on the microstructure and corrosion resistance in seawater solution of the as spun RE65Co25Al10 (RE = Ce, La, Pr, Sm and Gd) metallic glass ribbons have been investigated using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical workstation. The results indicate that the pressure treatment causes the changes of microstructure, which results in the variation of the glass transition temperature and supercooled liquid region of the RE65Co25Al10 metallic glass. The RE65Co25Al10 metallic glass treated by pressure in 16 kN exhibits low self-corrosion current density and distinct passive region, indicating the higher seawater corrosion resistance. However, the corrosion resistance of the RE65Co25Al10 metallic glass becomes poor with increasing pressure to 30 kN. The discussion of the corrosion mechanism has been made based upon the structural relaxation and bonding force of the matrix elements and oxygen during the electrochemical corrosion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]