Corrosion behavior of a bulk nanocrystalline Al-Fe alloy

Nanocrystalline Al-Fe alloy, with uniform microstructure and high solid solubility of Fe, has been produced by high-energy ball milling. Cyclic potentiodynamic polarization tests revealed high pitting potential. Hardness and corrosion resistance of the Al-Fe alloy were higher than any commercial Al alloy. High hardness and corrosion resistance were attributed to the nanocrystalline structure and formation of solid solution. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and scanning transmission electron microscopy indicated the incorporation of Fe to the surface film and Fe enrichment at the alloy/surface film interface, which were attributed to the enhanced corrosion performance.