Analysis of the Influence of the Composition of Fe-Cr-Ni-X (X=Mn, Co) Alloys on the Corrosion Properties using Diffusion Multiples for Rapid Realization of Potential Material Combinations

The development of new materials and the application of artificial intelligence or simulation assisted material design requires the rapid realization of potential combinations of materials. A straightforward way for combinatorial material design is the realization of diffusion multiples (pairs, trios, quartets, quintets) that can form chemically graded materials by diffusion induced intermixing of pure metals or alloys via tailored thermal treatments.<br/>In this work, two quaternary systems are studied as model systems, selected based on conventional and innovative materials with the aim of developing a systematic procedure for the combinatorial design of multi principal element alloys. Property screening of alloy mixtures in the Fe-Ni-Cr-Co and Fe-Ni-Cr-Mn system focusses on mechanical properties assessed by means of nanoindentation and corrosion resistance evaluated by means of local techniques such as in situ electrochemical Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM).<br/>Different concepts were followed for the design of the quaternary gradient alloys. Even though the diffusion multiples prepared from pure metal coupons had the greatest compositional variation, the reproducibility and difficulties in handling have created manifold challenges. Thus, multiples prepared using combinations of binary and ternary alloys with single metallic components were selected for the local assessment of the functional properties. The presentation will summarize the results of our correlative study and provide first insights on the effect of Mn and Co on the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the studied multi principal element alloy system.