The influence of grain size and triple junctions on corrosion behavior of nanocrystalline Ni and Ni-W alloy

The present study attempts to rationalize the higher corrosion rates of nanocrystalline passivating metals in ~3.5 wt% NaCl environment when grain size approaches below 10 nm. A simple model is proposed correlating the grain size with corrosion current utilizing the contribution from triple junctions. The higher corrosion rate below critical grain size was attributed to the presence of a high volume fraction of triple junctions demonstrating inverse Hall-Petch type (corrosion) relation. The relationship proposed reveals the application window of nanocrystalline metals demanding improved corrosion resistance.

Automated summary

This study explains the higher corrosion rates of nanocrystalline passivating metals in a NaCl environment when the grain size is below 10 nm. A simple model correlating grain size with corrosion current and the contribution from triple junctions is proposed. The higher corrosion rate below the critical grain size is attributed to the presence of a high volume fraction of triple junctions, demonstrating an inverse Hall-Petch type (corrosion) relation. The proposed relationship reveals the application range of nanocrystalline metals requiring improved corrosion resistance.