Improving Corrosion Resistance of a Nickel-Aluminum Bronze Alloy via Nickel Ion Implantation

An as-cast nickel-aluminum bronze alloy was subjected to nickel ion implantation, modifying its surface structure. A nickel-rich layer was formed on the surface of the alloy and its corrosion resistance in salt spray environment was improved gradually with the increasing implantation fluence. The corrosion resistance enhancement after ion implantation is believed to stem from the more compact Cu2O film with the incorporation of nickel ions. Under the protection of this more compact film, selective phase corrosion was inhibited effectively.