Development of Fe80-xCrxP13C7 bulk metallic glasses with high chromium content for superior corrosion resistance

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) with the nominal composition Fe 80-x Cr x P 13 C 7 (x = 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 at.%) were systematically fabricated using a fluxing and J-quenching technique. The effect of Cr content on their corrosion behavior in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution was thoroughly investigated. Increasing the Cr content was found to progressively raise the glass transition (T g ), crystallization onset (T x ), supercooled liquid region ΔT( = T x −T g ) and the glass-forming ability (GFA) indicating enhanced thermal stability. More importantly, the corrosion resistance improved significantly with higher Cr concentrations, exhibiting a pronounced enhancement beyond 30 at.% Cr. The optimal performance was achieved at 40 at.% Cr, yielding an exceptionally low corrosion rate of 0.00097 mm/year. This superior corrosion resistance is attributed to the formation of a more stable, Cr-enriched passive film, complemented by the presence of Fe 2+ oxides. • Fe 80-x Cr x P 13 C 7 BMGs with a high Cr content of 40 at.% were successfully synthesized. • A remarkable corrosion resistance enhancement appears at 30 at.% Cr content. • Corrosion rate of the BMGs with 40 at.% Cr archives as low as 0.00097 mm/year . • A dense, Cr-enriched passive film composed of Fe 2+ oxides improves the corrosion resistance. • Thermal stability is enhanced with the increase of Cr content.