Abstract

In this work, the electrochemical behavior and passivation film characteristics of a TiZrHfNb multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) with an equal atomic ratio in Cl− solution were studied. The effect of constituent metals on the overall corrosion resistance of alloys focused on different aspects. Ti could reduce the point defect density of the passivation film, while Nb kept the passivation film stable at a high potential, Hf and Zr provided high resistance and charge transfer resistance to the passivation film, and hydroxides enhanced the repair ability of the passivation film. There was also a synergistic effect between the alloying elements.