Alloying elements resistance

For example,copper has relatively good corrosion resistance under non-oxidizing conditions. It can be alloyed with zinc to yield a stronger material (brass), but with lowered corrosion resistance. Flowever, by alloying copper with a passivating metal such as nickel, both mechanical and corrosion properties are improved. Another important alloy is steel, which is an alloy between iron (>50%) and other alloying elements such as carbon. 

Cold-roUed alloys of lead with 0.06 wt % teUurium often attain ultimate tensile strengths of 25—30 MPa (3625—5350 psi). High mechanical strength, excellent creep resistance, and low levels of alloying elements have made lead—teUurium aUoys the primary material for nuclear shielding for smaU reactors such as those aboard submarines. The aUoy is self-supporting and does not generate secondary radiation. 

Niobium is important as an alloy addition in steels (see Steel). This use consumes over 90% of the niobium produced. Niobium is also vital as an alloying element in superalloys for aircraft turbine engines. Other uses, mainly in aerospace appHcations, take advantage of its heat resistance when alloyed singly or with groups of elements such as titanium, tirconium, hafnium, or tungsten. Niobium alloyed with titanium or with tin is also important in the superconductor industry (see High temperature alloys Refractories). 

The durabihty and versatility of steel are shown by its wide range of mechanical and physical properties. By the proper choice of carbon content and alloying elements, and by suitable heat treatment, steel can be made so soft and ductile that it can be cold-drawn into complex shapes such as automobile bodies. Conversely, steel can be made extremely hard for wear resistance, or tough enough to withstand enormous loads and shock without deforming or breaking. In addition, some steels are made to resist heat and corrosion by the atmosphere and by a wide variety of chemicals. 

Copper is primarily alloyed to increase strength, however, electrical and thermal conductivities, corrosion resistance, formabiUty, and color are also strongly affected by alloying. Elements typically added to copper are 2inc, tin, nickel, iron, aluminum, siUcon, chromium, and beryUium. 

The addition of small amounts of alloying materials greatly improves corrosion resistance to atmospheric environments but does not have much effect against liquid corrosives. The alloying elements produce a tight, dense adherent rust film, but in acid or alkaline solutions corrosion is about equivalent to that of carbon steel. However, the greater strength permits thinner walls in process equipment made from low-alloy steel. 

Heat resistance and gas corrosion resistance depends on chemical, phase compositions and stmcture of an alloy. The local corrosion destmction (LCD) of heat resisting alloys (HRS), especially a cast condition, probably, is determined by sweat of alloying elements. 

There are no films or protective surface films on active metals, e.g., mild steel in acid or saline solutions. Passive metals are protected by dense, less readily soluble surface films (see Section 2.3.1.2). These include, for example, high-alloy Cr steels and NiCr alloys as well as A1 and Ti in neutral solutions. Selective corrosion of alloys is largely a result of local concentration differences of alloying elements which are important for corrosion resistance e.g., Cr [4],... 

The addition of cathodically active elements to pure lead was the main objective of investigations to improve its corrosion resistance to H2SO4 [42,44]. Best known is copper-lead with 0.04 to 0.08% Cu. By adding combinations of alloying elements, it was possible to produce lead alloys that not only had much better corrosion resistance, but also had greater high-temperature strength. Lead alloy with 0.1% Sn, 0.1% Cu and 0.1% Pd is an example [45]. 

Chromium is the most effective alloying element for promoting resistance to oxidation. Table 3.10 gives temperatures at which steels can be used in air without excessive oxidation. In atmospheres contaminated with sulfur, lower maximum temperatures are necessary. 

The ferritic chromium steels (chromium is the principal alloying element) are the most economical for very lightly loaded high-temperature situations. However, they are inadequate when creep must be accounted for. Austenitic steels are often recommended for such conditions. The 17% chromium alloys (Type 430) resist scaling up to 800°C and 25% alloy (Type 446) up to llOO C [21]. 

Steel is essentially iron with a small amount of carbon. Additional elements are present in small quantities. Contaminants such as sulfur and phosphorus are tolerated at varying levels, depending on the use to which the steel is to be put. Since they are present in the raw material from which the steel is made it is not economic to remove them. Alloying elements such as manganese, silicon, nickel, chromium, molybdenum and vanadium are present at specified levels to improve physical properties such as toughness or corrosion resistance. 

Cast irons are iron with high levels of carbon. Heat treatments and alloying element additions produce gray cast iron, malleable iron, ductile iron, spheroidal cast iron and other grades. The mechanical properties vary significantly. Nickel-containing cast irons have improved hardness and corrosion resistance. Copper or molybdenum additions improve strength. 

Chromium, silicon and other alloying elements are used to create cast irons for corrosion resistance in specific environments. Silicon-containing cast irons are used for sulfuric acid duty. 

---