The role of phosphorus in enhancing corrosion resistance of amorphous alloys

Phosphorus contained in amorphous metal-metalloid alloys is often beneficial in enhancing the corrosion resistance particularly in strong acids. On the basis of investigations conducted so far, the beneficial role of phosphorus is comprehensively summarized. Immersion of amorphous metal-phosphorus alloys containing passivating elements leads to the formation of elemental phosphorus layer on the topmost surface of the alloy as a result of initial alloy dissolution. The elemental phosphorus layer has high cathodic activity for oxygen and proton reduction and acts as the diffusion barrier against alloy dissolution. These beneficial effects ennoble the open circuit potential, and when the open circuit potential attains the passive region of the alloy spontaneous passivation occurs. An increase in the protectiveness of the passive film by ageing further ennobles the open circuit potential. At the high open circuit potential elemental phosphorus is no longer stable and dissolves into the solution. The passive film thus formed generally consists of passive oxyhydroxide and the phosphorus content in the film is rather low.