The microstructure, phase constitution, and corrosion performance of as-solidified Al70Pd25Co5 and Al74Pd12Co14 alloys (element concentrations in at.%) have been investigated in the present work. The alloys were prepared by arc-melting of Al, Pd, and Co lumps in argon. The Al74Pd12Co14 alloy was composed of structurally complex εn phase, while the Al70Pd25Co5 alloy was composed of εn and δ phases. The corrosion performance was studied by open circuit potential measurements and potentiodynamic polarization in aqueous NaCl solution (3.5 wt.%). Marked open circuit potential oscillations of the Al70Pd25Co5 alloy have been observed, indicating individual breakdown and re-passivation events on the sample surface. A preferential corrosion attack of εn was found, while the binary δ phase (Al3Pd2) remained free of corrosion. A de-alloying of Al from εn and formation of intermittent interpenetrating channel networks occurred in both alloys. The corrosion behavior of εn is discussed in terms of its chemical composition and crystal structure. The corrosion activity of εn could be further exploited in preparation of porous Pd-Co networks with possible catalytic activity.
Keywords: aluminum alloys; de-alloying; electrochemical corrosion; phase characterization.