Electrochemical corrosion of a noble metal-bearing alloy-oxide composite

The effects of added Ru and Pd on the microstructure and electrochemical behaviour of a composite material made by melting those metals with AISI 410 stainless steel, Zr, Mo, and lanthanide oxides were assessed using electrochemical and microscopic methods The lanthanide oxides reacted with Zr to form durable lanthanide zirconates and Mo alloyed with steel to form FeMoCr intermetallics. The noble metals alloyed with the steel to provide solid solution strengthening and inhibit carbide/nitride formation. A passive film formed during electrochemical tests in acidic NaCl solution, but became less effective as corrosion progressed and regions over the intermetallics eventually failed.