Tribocorrosion and the surface repassivation behavior of Monel 400 alloy in artificial seawater

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to study the tribocorrosion and the surface repassivation behaviors of Monel 400 alloy in artificial seawater. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the tribocorrosion behavior of Monel 400 alloy was studied under different applied loads in artificial seawater by using a pin-on-disk tribometer equipped with an electrochemical workstation. The applied loads were selected ranging from 50 to 200 N. The surface repassivation behavior of Monel 400 alloy was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Findings It was demonstrated that mass loss was determined by the combined effect of mechanical wear and chemical corrosion. The surface repassivation mechanism of the alloy is that layer corrosion product film formed on the surface of Monel 400 alloy, which can protect metal matrix from future corrosion. Originality/value This research adds original content in revealing the tribocorrosion and surface repassivation behaviors of Monel 400 alloy under different loads, which offer a theoretical basis for the application under the corrosion and wear environment of Monel 400.