Impact of Trace Cu Addition on Microstructure, Mechanical Property and Corrosion Behavior of TA10 Alloy

The effects of (0.5%~2.5%, w) Cu addition on the microstructure, mechanical property and corrosion behavior of TA10-based alloys are studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM) are used to study the microstructure of the alloys, and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) is adopted to identify the phase composition. The electrochemical measurements and the static immersion tests are employed to study the corrosion performances of the alloys. After obtaining the alloy with the optimal chemical compositions, its corroded surface morphology is observed by the atomic force microscope (AFM). Results signify that with the increase of Cu content, the matrix structure of TA10 alloy is continuously refined. When the Cu addition is 2.5%, the hardness of the alloy is the maximum. When the Cu addition is in the range of 1.5%~2.0%, the alloy has good corrosion resistance. The alloy with 0.5% Cu presents the best corrosion resistance.