Electrochemical investigations on the bulk glass forming Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 alloy

Abstract
The electrochemical behaviour of the Zr55Cu30Al10Ni5 amorphous alloy prepared as cylindrical bulk samples with 7 mm diameter has been investigated. Cyclic potentiodynamic polarization measurements carried out on the cross section areas of the samples in air‐saturated and nitrogen‐purged sulphate and hydroxide solutions, respectively, show that the alloy rapidly forms protective passive layers with low electron conductivity which are stable in a wide pH‐value and potential range. Anodic layer formation reactions are characterized. In chloride containing electrolytes a pitting corrosion susceptibility of the bulk material exists. The effect of crystalline defects as active sites for the initiation of localized corrosion processes is critically discussed.