Tests are described in which HVOF sprayed aluminum bronze coatings on AISI 1020 steel were subjected to both flow corrosion and erosion-corrosion conditions in 3.5% NaCl solution. The behaviour of such coatings, including surface film growth and scale formation are characterised through visual examination, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope and open circuit potential measurements. Open circuit potential measurements were found to be useful in characterising
the corrosion activity associated with flow corrosion and erosion-corrosion processes. Erosion-corrosion generated coating failure was characterised by a significant potential drift to a mixed
corrosion potential between the coating and its substrate.
Keywords: HVOF coatings, aluminum bronze, AISI 1020 steel, flow corrosion, erosion-corrosion, jet-impingement testing.