Microbiologically influenced corrosion of TiZrNb medium-entropy alloys by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans

Abstract

The microbiologically influenced corrosion of TiZrNb medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans was investigated. Pitting corrosion was found on coupon surface after 14-day immersion in the inoculated medium. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that the corrosion of coupon was enhanced by the D. desulfuricans. The corrosion current density (icorr) in the inoculated medium is approximately 12 times as much as that in the abiotic medium. In the presence of biofilms, the selective dissolution of Ti occurred, particularly when the organic nutrients were insufficient. Ti0 can be used as an electron donor by microbes in their energy metabolism once other donors are not readily available.