Exceptional combination of mechanical properties and cavitation erosion-corrosion resistance in a Fe 23.7 Co 23.8 Ni 23.8 Cr 23.7 Mo 5 multi-principal element alloy

This study analyzed cavitation erosion (CE) and cavitation erosion-corrosion (CE-C) of single-phase face-centered cubic structured Fe23.7Co23.8Ni23.8Cr23.7Mo5 multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) with varying grain sizes obtained through post-deformation annealing (PDA). The average grain sizes of the samples after annealing at 1100 degrees C for 60 s, 1150 degrees C for 60 s, and 1100 degrees C for 200 s are 4.1 mu m, 10.3 mu m, and 15.2 mu m, respectively. Among them, the 4.1 mu m sample exhibits the best combination of high ultimate tensile strength (889 MPa) and large elongation (40.3%), as well as good electrochemical corrosion resistance in NaCl solution. Under the conditions of CE and CE-C for a duration of 10 h, the 4.1 mu m specimen exhibits cumulative mass losses of approximately 1.4 mg and 2.6 mg, respectively. In contrast, under identical conditions, the 316 L SS registers cumulative mass losses of approximately 16.7 mg and 24.8 mg, respectively. Due to the excellent mechanical properties and work hardening ability of the 4.1 mu m sample, it can effectively resist the plastic deformation caused by cavitation erosion, reducing mass loss. In addition, the stable passivation film enhances its resistance to Cl- destruction, thus demonstrating notable corrosion resistance. Ultimately, under conditions where cavitation erosion and corrosion coexist, these combined properties enable the 4.1 mu m sample to exhibit the least mass loss and damage.