Nickel-chromium alloys corrosion potentials

The major alloying element contributing to resistance to pitting corrosion in iron- and nickel-base alloys is chromium. The effect of chromium in reducing both the critical current density and the passivating potential of iron in 1 N H2S04 is shown by the polarization curves of... 

Examples of metals that are passive under Definition 1, on the other hand, include chromium, nickel, molybdenum, titanium, zirconium, the stainless steels, 70%Ni-30% Cu alloys (Monel), and several other metals and alloys. Also included are metals that become passive in passivator solutions, such as iron in dissolved chromates. Metals and alloys in this category show a marked tendency to polarize anodicaUy. Pronounced anodic polarization reduces observed reaction rates, so that metals passive under Definition 1 usually conform as well to Definition 2 based on low corrosion rates. The corrosion potentials of metals passive by Definition 1 approach the open-circuit cathode potentials (e.g., the oxygen electrode) hence, as components of galvanic cells, they exhibit potentials near those of the noble metals. 

Manufacturers of nitinol products are known to electropolish the surface of the nitinol wire to produce an oxidized surface layer that contains only titanium and oxygen. This reduces the potential for nickel allergy and toxicity problems. The alloy MP35N used in the CS/SF device is a quaternary of cobalt, nickel, chromium, and molybdenum, and is known to have high strength and corrosion resistance. Additionally, this metal has been found to be biocompatible and MR compatible. These are all desirable properties for an implantable device, but its nickel content should be noted and considered when dealing with patients who are allergic to nickel. 

In acidic media, the metals iron, nickel and chromium have passivation current densities that increase in the order Cr < Ni < Fe. In Figure 6.11, the anodic polarization curves for the three metals in 0.5 M sulfuric acid (25 °C) are compared. Chromium has lower values of both ip and Ep than the other two metals. By alloying increasing amounts of chromium to steel one therefore improves the corrosion resistance. Experience shows that above a chromium concentration of 12 to 13%, a steel passivates spontaneously in contact with aerated water. It becomes "stainless", meaning it does not rust easily. Figure 6.12 gives the corrosion potential of different... 

From a corrosion standpoint, the roles of various alIo)dng elements in the cobalt-base alloys parallel those seen in the nickel-base alloys. Chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten, for example, are highly soluble in both atomic forms of cobalt. Chromium is added to most of the commercially important alloys, and provides passivity over a wide range of potentials. Molybdenum and tungsten enhance resistance to corrosion within the active regime. 

The stainless steels (types 303, 316, and 316LVM) as well as the cobalt-nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy MP35N are protected from corrosion by a thin passivation layer that develops when exposed to atmospheric oxygen and which forms a barrier to further reaction. In the case of stainless steel, this layer consists of iron oxides, iron hydroxides, and chromium oxides. These metals inject charge by reversible oxidation and reduction of the passivation layers. A possible problem with these metals is that if the electrode potential becomes too positive... 

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