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Structure and Corrosion Behaviour of Al–Nb Alloys

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Abstract

Effects of niobium content on the microstructure and corrosion were investigated on various Al‒x% Nb alloys (x: 10, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 wt %) prepared by high-frequency electromagnetic fusion melting and solidification at room temperature. Microstructural characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Vickers microhardness, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical tests in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution, via potentiodynamic polarization curves and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was accomplished on both as-cast and annealed alloys. All of the results highlight the role played by the intermetallic trialuminide compound Al3Nb dispersed within the matrix consisting of α-Al solid solution. The volume fraction of the Al3Nb intermetallic phase controls the mechanical properties through the microhardness acting as reinforcement of the α-Al matrix in the manner of a composite material. It also acts as a precaution against corrosion by the pitting of aluminum. This effect naturally varies according to the niobium content and the distribution of the intermetallic phase.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was carried out with the help of the Directorate General of Scientific Research and Technological Development DGRSDT. The authors are grateful to researchers at the ENSMM Annaba for SEM observations and Digital surf MountainlabPremium8 Software Company.

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  1. Laboratory of Magnetism and Spectroscopy of Solids LM2S, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Badji Mokhtar Annaba University BP.12, 23000, Annaba, Algeria

    F. Layachi, M. Y. Debili & H. Bedboudi

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Layachi, F., Debili, M.Y. & Bedboudi, H. Structure and Corrosion Behaviour of Al–Nb Alloys. Russ J Electrochem 58, 360–380 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1023193522050081

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