Enhancing the Resistance to Corrosion in 304 Stainless Steel by Depositing ZrCuNb Thin‐Film Metallic Glass

To enhance the corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel (304ss), ZrCuNb thin film metallic glass (TFMG) is deposited on the surface of 304ss substrate via magnetron sputtering. An optimized homogeneous ZrCuNb film with unique amorphous structures was evolved, which indicated a high corrosion resistance due to a significantly enlarged passivation zone. The effect of Nb addition on the corrosion behavior and passivation film characteristics of ZrCuNb film in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution has been systematically investigated. The influence of a higher cumulative corrosion potential of ZrCuNb TFMG/304ss composite relative to the uncoated 304ss substrate stimulated the preferential corrosion of the film layer in protecting the 304ss substrate, the superior resistance of amorphous composite to pitting is established. The slower corrosion rate and better corrosion resistance found for the ZrCuNb film coated substrate could be attributed to the effective blocking of Cl − , H 2 O, and O 2 transmission by the amorphous film to ultimately achieve a reduced depth damage and high resistance to pitting corrosion of the 304ss substrate. ZrCuNb film has better corrosion resistance.