Effect of chromium on erosion-corrosion properties of ZrO₂-Al₂O₃ particles reinforced Fe-based composites in artificial seawater slurries

The influence of Cr on the interfacial bonding and erosion-corrosion resistance of ZrO₂-Al₂O₃ particles reinforced high chromium white cast irons based (ZTA_P/Fe) composites were systematically investigated. The Cr coatings on the surface of ZTA particle (ZTA_P) ceramics were fabricated by multi-arc ion plating. The results indicated that a uniform and continuous Cr coating was tightly adhered with ZTA ceramic substrate. The thickness and grain size of the Cr coating could be effectively controlled by regulating the deposition parameters. The grain size of Cr coating increased with deposition time. The ZTA_P/Fe composites assisted without (N1) and with (N2) Cr coating were prepared via infiltration casting. The addition of Cr coating obtained a smooth and tight interface, attributed to the improvement of the wettability between ZTA ceramic and high chromium white cast irons matrix (Cr15). Moreover, the erosion-corrosion resistance property of the Cr coated ZTA_P/Fe composites (N2) improved up to 44% compared with bare-ZTA_P/Fe composites (N1) due to their interfacial enhancement action. Meanwhile, the interfacial layer of the N2 composites had a low roughness after erosion-corrosion.