Electrochemical corrosion performances of laser thermal sprayed amorphous Al–Ti–Ni coatings in marine environment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of laser power on the electrochemical corrosion performance in 3.5% NaCl, 0.1 M H2SO4 and 0.1 M NaOH solutions, which provided an experimental basis for the application of Al–Ti–Ni amorphous coating in marine environment. Design/methodology/approach Amorphous Al–Ti–Ni coatings were fabricated on S355 structural steel by laser thermal spraying (LTS) at different laser powers. The surface and cross-section morphologies, chemical element distribution, phases and crystallization behaviors of obtained coatings were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry, respectively. The effects of laser power on the electrochemical corrosion performances of Al–Ti–Ni coatings in 3.5% NaCl, 0.1 M H2SO4 and 0.1 M NaOH solutions were investigated using an electrochemical workstation. Findings The crystallization temperature of Al–Ti–Ni coatings fabricated at the laser power of 1,300 and 1,700 W is ∼520°C, whereas that fabricated at the laser power of 1,500 W is ∼310°C. The coatings display excellent corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl and 0.1 M NaOH solutions, while a faster dissolution rate in 0.1 M H2SO4 solution. The coatings fabricated at the laser power of 1,300 and 1,700 W present the better electrochemical corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl and 0.1 M NaOH solutions, whereas that fabricated at the laser power of 1,500 W exhibits the better electrochemical corrosion resistance in 0.1 M H2SO4 solution. Originality/value In this work, Al-wire-cored Ti–Ni powder was first on S355 steel with the laser power of 1,300, 1,500 and 1,700 W, and the effects of laser power on the electrochemical corrosion performance in 3.5% NaCl, 0.1 M H2SO4 and 0.1 M NaOH solutions were investigated using an electrochemical workstation.