Topographical and microanalytical investigation of corrosion processes on the solid material in the system metal-metalloid glassy alloy (Fe,Cr)80(P,C,Si)20, aqueous FeCl3 solution, and air in the region of the “amorphous solid/liquid/air” phase interface

Ribbons of the metal-metalloid glassy alloy (Fe,Cr)₈₀(P,C,Si)₂₀ and Fe₇₅Cr₅P₈C₁₀Si₂, respectively, were treated with an aqueous solution of FeCl₃ (29 mass%) in an ultrasonic bath. The surface of the amorphous solid is maximally influenced at the flux line as the contact zone of glass/solution/ air. This region of the amorphous solid was studied by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) as well as the electron beam micro analysis (EBMA) after the treatment. Changes in the surface stage and the surface behaviour take place independently of the state of the initial glass surface (shiny or dull side of a ribbon). Reaction products of different morphology were formed. In the flux line of the glass an enrichment of Si and Fe could be detected. These results agree with those of electrochemical measurement. According to this, a chloride ion containing acid aqueous solution is rather corrosive to this glassy alloy.