To study the corrosion resistance of the novel alloy Al‐12.6La (wt%) manufactured using directional solidification.
Samples fabricated using the Bridgman growth technique at three different withdrawal velocities were subjected to total immersion tests in distilled water and in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution and to DC polarisation tests in distilled water. XPS analyses conducted on samples after polarisation indicated the presence of an La compound in the non passive corrosion products film formed.
Anodic polarisation induced dissolution of the alloy with the formation of a non passive corrosion product film. During potentiodynamic polarisation, a sudden current increment occurred at a potential value that was more positive for samples solidified at higher rates. The corrosion resistance of this Al‐12.6%La alloy decreased as the solidification rate increased.
The results presented in this work are an insight to the understanding of the corrosion resistance and electrochemical behaviour of this alloy for future engineering applications and development.
