Stainless hardmetals and their electrochemical corrosion resistance

Abstract In this paper corrosion and corrosion‐abrasive resistance of steel‐bonded hardmetals under neutral, acid and alkaline conditions have been investigated. Production problems of highchromium hardmetals have been considered. Heat‐treatable stainless TiC‐(Fe,Cr,Si) hardmetals have sufficient corrosion and corrosion‐abrasive resistance under neutral and alkaline conditions but are liable to attack by nitric, sulphuric and phosphoric acid solutions. The corrosion resistance of stainless TiC‐(Fe,Ni,Cr) alloys with an austenitic binder is under such conditions higher but, however, disadvantageous in relation to stainless steels. The corrosion resistance of stainless hardmetals can be considerably improved by inhibitors.