The Effect of Short-Term Annealing of the Amorphous Metal Alloy Al87Y4Gd1Ni8 on Surface Morphology and Electrochemical Properties

Amorphous metal alloys (AMAs) are characterized by good mechanical and electrochemical properties. However, due to crystallization processes occurring at higher temperatures (Ta ˃ 600 K), these properties may deteriorate. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of short-term annealing at T3 = 611 ± 1 K and to determine the risks of such thermal modifications for the electrochemical properties of the material. A comprehensive analysis shows that short-term isothermal annealing (5 min) of the amorphous metal alloy Al87Y4Gd1Ni8 at a temperature of 611 ± 1 K improves the tribological properties of the material. However, it has been established that heat treatment for 5 min is optimal and leads to temporary thickening of the film and the formation of an almost ideal double layer, but annealing for 15–60 min negatively affects the electrochemical properties of this material, indicating a decrease in the protective properties of the passivating layers.