Differential scanning calorimetry studies and corrosion behavior of the copper clustering stage of Fe73.5-XCu1Nb3Si13.5B9CrX(0,4) amorphous alloys

The kinetics of Cu clustering and their effect on the corrosion behavior of Fe73.5-XCu1Nb3Si13.5B9Crx(0,4) amorphous alloys, have been investigated by DSC and DC electrochemical techniques (potentiodynamic polarization). The results suggested that the kinetics for Cu clustering varies depending on composition. Cu clusters form prior to the crystallization reaction, and serve as the heterogeneous nucleation sites for Fe-Si grains. The spatial distribution, the number density and the size of Cu clusters influence the final microstructures of crystalline alloys, and so, their corrosion behavior. The highest corrosion resistance is obtained in the alloy with the smallest grain size. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.