A Seawater-Corrosion-Resistant and Isotropic Zero Thermal Expansion (Zr,Ta)(Fe,Co)2 Alloy

Zero thermal expansion (ZTE) alloys as dimensionally stable materials are usually challenged by harsh environmental erosion, since ZTE and corrosion resistance are generally mutually exclusive. Here, a high-performance alloy, Zr0.8Ta0.2Fe1.7Co0.3, is reported, that shows isotropic ZTE behavior (alpha(l) = 0.21(2) x 10(-6) K-1) in a wide temperature range of 5-360 K, high corrosion resistance in a seawater-like solution compared with classic Invar and stainless Invar, and excellent cyclic thermal and structural stabilities. Such stabilities are attributed to the cubic symmetry, the controllable magnetic order, and the spontaneously formed passive film with Ta and Zr chemical modifications. The results are evidenced by X-ray/neutron diffraction, microscopy, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry investigations. Such multiple stabilities have the potential to broaden the robust applications of ZTE alloys, especially in marine services.

Automated summary

A high-performance alloy, Zr0.8Ta0.2Fe1.7Co0.3, with isotropic zero thermal expansion (ZTE) behavior, high corrosion resistance, and excellent thermal and structural stability, is reported. The multiple stabilities are attributed to the alloy's cubic symmetry, controllable magnetic order, and the formation of a passive film with Ta and Zr chemical modifications. The alloy has the potential for robust applications in marine services and other fields.